Latest news with #IpohTree
The Star
05-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Ipoh Tree to be preserved but in limited numbers, says mayor
Ipoh mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah. IPOH: The Ipoh City Council has confirmed that it will continue to preserve the Ipoh Tree - the city's namesake - as a symbol of local heritage, but only in a very limited number due to safety concerns. Ipoh Mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah said currently only two Ipoh trees (Antiaris toxicaria) are maintained under the council's jurisdiction. The two trees are currently found at the Ipoh Railway Station Square, and the recreational park near the Sultan Azlan Shah airport. 'The tree at the square has been replaced several times due to root decay, believed to have been caused by the hard surface area and limited grassy soil, which led to water pooling and poor root health. 'However, the tree at the recreational park near the airport is growing in a more natural environment with ample soil coverage, requiring minimal maintenance due to its healthy root condition,' he said. On July 3, The Star reported that 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. Perak Heritage Society deputy president Prof Dr Richard Ng had said the tree's connection to the city name, and its cultural meaning, has faded with time. Zamakhshari said the council has avoided planting the Ipoh tree in other public recreational parks such as Taman Sultan Abdul Aziz, Gunung Lang Recreational Park, and Dr Seenivasagam Park, due to the tree's high toxicity. He said the sap of the Ipoh Tree is highly poisonous, and could be fatal if ingested or touched, particularly posing a danger to children. 'As a result, this species is not suitable for planting in public spaces or family-friendly locations. 'The planting of the tree is carried out only in a controlled and symbolic manner, to preserve the historical identity of Ipoh City,' he added. In 2023, The Star had reported that only two Ipoh trees remain in public spaces in the city, where the one located near the airport is 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.
The Star
03-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Ipoh tree rooted in history but fading from memory
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.
