The Pahang government has tasked two executive council members to lead a joint committee to identify hazardous and mature trees in high-risk areas across the state following a fatal tree fall incident in Bentong on August 3, 2026. The incident in Janda Baik killed four people, including Maran Umno Youth chief Mohd Radzi Rahimi and three family members. The fallen tree stood about 15 metres from the road reserve along the Kuala Lumpur-Bentong old road [1, 2].
Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Pahang's Menteri Besar, ordered an immediate coordination meeting with agencies such as the Public Works Department (PWD), Bentong Municipal Council, district engineers, and district offices to assess the hazardous tree situation. Wan Rosdy said, "I told them as soon as possible. The meeting will include representatives from the Public Works Department (PWD), Bentong Municipal Council, district engineers, district offices, and other relevant agencies to assess the situation and identify the appropriate action." He added, "We want all relevant agencies to work together and determine the best way forward. All relevant authorities have been instructed to take the necessary and appropriate measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring in their respective areas." [1]
The government aims to implement long-term solutions such as pruning and removing mature trees in identified hotspot areas throughout Pahang, expanding the assessment beyond Janda Baik to the entire state [1, 2]. Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman urged the Works Ministry and PWD to strengthen the monitoring of mature trees to improve risk assessments [1].
Separately, Pahang recorded losses exceeding RM3 million last year due to vandalism and theft targeting telecommunication infrastructure, including cables, batteries, communication cards, diesel, and Remote Radio Units. Datuk Fadzli Mohamad Kamal from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said, "The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is always cooperating with the police to tackle these vandalism and theft cases." [3, 4]
Telecommunication service providers are reminded to secure their tower areas with locked gates and comply with state regulations requiring infrastructure condition reports with photos before license renewals to ensure maintenance and prevent theft [3, 4].
During a related community visit, Wan Rosdy also approved RM30,000 to repair a fishermen’s jetty in the Inderapura constituency [2].
Outside Pahang, the Association of Tourism Attractions Penang urged comprehensive safety inspections and incentive schemes for aging heritage buildings in George Town after a recent beam collapse injured tourists. Datuk Ch’ng Huck Theng said, "We are a Unesco heritage site known for its heritage buildings, so we must also bear the responsibility to ensure these buildings are preserved and kept in good condition." [5]
The joint committee in Pahang is expected to produce preliminary findings and an action plan after its upcoming assessments. Meanwhile, the government continues coordination between agencies to prevent future hazards and improve public safety throughout the state.
