Ipoh tree rooted in history but fading from memory

The Star

03-07-2025

Legacy at risk: The Ipoh Tree at the Ipoh Railway Station Square. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
IPOH: Once a powerful symbol of the city's identity, the Ipoh Tree from which the city draws its name, is no longer widely recognised especially among the younger folk.
And sadly, there are only two Ipoh trees left standing in public spaces here.
The tree's connection to the city name, and its cultural meaning, has faded with time, said Perak Heritage Society deputy president Prof Dr Richard Ng.
He said the Ipoh Tree (Antiaris toxicaria) is not as prominent or celebrated for several reasons.
Many people, especially the younger generation, do not even know the history of the tree, he said.
'Schools and tourism materials seldom emphasise its symbolic role.
'The younger generation grew up knowing about Lost World or Concubine Lane, but not the tree that gave Ipoh its name.
'As Ipoh modernised, urban planning focused more on infrastructure, less on preserving original natural landmarks.
'The city grew beyond the symbol of the tree with malls, housing and new attractions that took over public attention,' he said.
In 2023, The Star reported that only two Ipoh trees remain in public spaces in the city.
One can be seen at the Ipoh Railway Station Square, while the other is located at Persiaran Sultan Azlan Shah in Taman Lapangan Terbang, estimated to be around 20 years old, with a height of about 12m.
The Ipoh City Council had said the one located at the square was planted in February 2018 to replace a 100-year-old Ipoh tree that fell during a storm in April 2017.
On Aug 31, 2022, an Ipoh tree at the Dr Seenivasagam Park fell due to rot in its roots. That tree was estimated to be at least 30 years old.
Ng said most majestic trees, including the Ipoh Tree fell victim to road expansion, construction, bad weather or neglect.
He said it is a pity that such an important symbol of Ipoh is slowly forgotten.
'With only a handful of trees left in the city, efforts to integrate the Ipoh Tree's story into the city's identity through schools, public signage and cultural programmes must be made before the legacy is lost entirely.
'The tree, though dangerous, is majestic, much like how Ipoh itself emerged, from a wild, resource-rich land to a vibrant mining town.
'Its rare toxic sap became a symbol of indigenous knowledge and natural power. As the tree faded from public space, its legacy lived on in the city's name, coat of arms, and identity,' he added.
Elaborating on the history of the Ipoh Tree, Ng said it played a central role in the naming of Ipoh, and was once abundant along the Kinta River.
He said the tree's poisonous sap was traditionally used by the Orang Asli to tip blowpipes for hunting.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) field officer Meor Razak Meor Abdul Rahman said there was no need to plant many such trees, but maintain the existing trees properly.
He said it was sufficient to have the trees located at different locations, both at public and tourist areas.
'What is important is that they are well maintained with proper safety features to ensure that the public cannot easily approach or be exposed to the potential toxins.
'There is a need to keep the legacy of the tree, and thus a few trees must be maintained to ensure the history is well preserved for the future generations,' he added.