Latest news with #ZamakhshariHanipah
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
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Ipoh wins award for sustainable landscaping initiative
THE Ipoh City Council (MBI) has received the Honour Award in the Green Initiatives Award – Government Sector category at the 15th Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA) recently. The award was presented during the 15th MLAA ceremony on Saturday (May 24) by Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia former president Datuk Ismail Ngah. Ipoh mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah said this recognition reflects the city council's continued commitment to implementing nature-based solutions in developing sustainable and holistic urban landscapes. "The project titled 'Bamboo: A Sustainable Solution for Green Landscape' highlights bamboo as a sustainable alternative material. "It's not only used in creating landscape furniture but also integrated with shade tree planting efforts to absorb carbon, enhance urban biodiversity, and mitigate the effects of the urban heat island phenomenon," he said in his speech at the council's full board meeting on Friday (May 30). In modern landscape architecture, where sustainability is increasingly prioritised, he said landscape design has evolved beyond aesthetics to also encompass ecological functions and environmental responsibility. "This shift is driven by growing public awareness of climate change, biodiversity loss, and the urgent need for development that aligns with nature. "MBI hopes this milestone will serve as a catalyst in its ongoing efforts to transform Ipoh into a smart and sustainable city by 2030, guided by innovation, sustainability and the well-being of all citizens," he said. On a separate matter, he said MBI is inviting the public to contribute ideas and suggestions for next year's budget that will support the city's competitiveness and development. "Suggestions can be submitted via the council's website or by scanning the QR code available on the city council's official portal. "These contributions will serve as key input in formulating the council's upcoming budget to better meet the needs of city residents. Submissions are open until June 30," he added. He also said recent records show that many property owners have yet to settle their assessment tax for the year, with some still owing taxes from previous years. "The council urges property owners facing financial hardship to come forward and discuss payment options to avoid enforcement action," he added. He said such action against defaulters could include the seizure of movable property. He added that a warrant fee of RM150 will be applied for arrears under RM1,000, while arrears over RM1,000 will incur a RM300 fee. In conjunction with Ipoh City's 37th anniversary celebration, he said MBI is offering a 70% discount on compounds for residents. The discount period ends on Saturday (May 31).
