Kota Kinabalu: City Hall (DBKK) will take stern action against anyone who cuts or damages trees and plants in public areas, as provided for under the Streets and Public Places By-Laws 1966.
In a statement Saturday, DBKK said it lodged a police report to help identify the people behind the illegal felling of shade trees (Eugenia Sp) in a parking area at Lintas Plaza.
The statement came after news reports alleged that the City Hall used the wrong procedures to cut the trees at the Lintas Plaza parking lot on May 30.
The City Hall found that the shade trees had been felled by a “third party”.
It said the act was considered vandalism, unacceptable and an offence under the bylaws.
“The perpetrators will be compounded, and we will not hesitate to take appropriate legal action, including suing them for damages.
“The trees have been identified as assets or property rights of the City Hall and cannot be cut down without permission.
“The planting of shade trees in parking areas around the city is part of DBKK’s effort to provide natural green shade to the city’s environment,” it said.
The city managers noted similar incidents in several other public areas along main roads and the city centre.
