KUALA LUMPUR – Universiti Malaya (UM) has said it will require 10 days to clear debris resulting from tree fall incidents across various locations within the campus, following a freak storm that struck some of its residential colleges yesterday.
In a statement released today, the university confirmed that efforts to reopen blocked roads by clearing debris were ongoing and anticipated to conclude by tomorrow.
UM disclosed that 29 vehicles had incurred damage, and 12 roads within the campus remained impassable due to uprooted trees from the previous evening’s incident.
Besides vehicle damage, UM revealed that certain campus infrastructures had been affected, with estimated losses exceeding RM1 million.
However, UM assured that there were no reports of serious injuries or casualties resulting from the incident.
In a bid to prevent such occurrences in the future, UM pledged to collaborate with local authorities and the relevant departments, initiating safety measures such as reassessing the condition of campus trees to ensure the safety of all parties.
The university outlined its plans to enhance safety protocols, including the streamlining of UM’s shade tree maintenance guidelines, increasing the frequency of tree health inspections, replanting tree species resilient to storms, and improving early warning systems and disaster preparedness.
Furthermore, those impacted by the storm are encouraged to contact the university’s security office and property management division for insurance claims.
Yesterday’s severe weather conditions led to the uprooting of numerous trees, particularly in Bangsar, Kerinchi, Petaling Jaya and the UM campus.
This incident follows reports of severe weather affecting several UM residential colleges, including the Raja Dr Nazrin Shah Residential College (KK12), 13th Residential College Universiti Malaya (KK13) and Dayasari Residential College (KK5), due to heavy rainfall. – May 26, 2024