TAIPING: Following the collapse of one beautiful rain tree at Taiping Lake Gardens on Saturday, the public have expressed their sadness and shared their fond memories with the iconic tree over the years.
Anyone who visits the Taiping Lake Garden will certainly not miss the opportunity to take pictures under the big 130-year-old tree, one of 37 trees planted there to provide the visitors some shade from the scorching sun.
After one of the trees collapsed on Oct 13, many had expressed sadness and continued to upload memorable pictures with the tree on their respective social media accounts.
Resident Salasiah Hamid, 35, viewed the rain tree or its scientific name Samanea Samanain or Hujan-hujan by locals, as one of main tourist attractions in Taiping town.
“Walking underneath the tree is one of my favourite things to do as it give me sense of calmness. I come here often to relax due to its peaceful and relaxing environment,” she told Bernama.
Another resident Tan Kok Peng, 55, said he always made it to the Taiping Lake Garden to relax while enjoying the fresh air and hoped the Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) would continue to conserve the trees.
“I hope the MPT continues checking the remaining trees to prevent the other trees from collapsing as it can affect the image of Taiping Lake Garden among tourists.
Meanwhile, netizens continued sharing their fond memories with the trees online including sigajahcomel who said “Lake Garden lost its sparkle, it was my childhood playground,” on his Twitter page.
Elsewhere, Mr Pacat also wrote, “The tree that has given us 1,001 memories. Thank you for providing beautiful shade at Taiping Lake Garden all these years.”
Meanwhile, MPT president Datuk Abdul Rahim Md Ariff said damaged roots were believed to have caused the tree to collapse on Saturday.
He said inspections carried out by SH Eco Landscape found that the roots were damaged most likely due to the unstable tree burden.
Immediate measures have been taken to treat the roots of the remaining 37 trees, believed to be over 130 years old, and to replace the soil to a more appropriate medium.– BERNAMA