Letter - Tree-Cutting

Dear Editor,

Recently, Mutiara Goodyear Development Bhd stated in the newspaper that its latest project, Mutiara Upper East Ampang, a high-end condo, would be "a sanctuary set amidst lush greenery, designed to calm and recharge, and a place one can retreat to."

When Bandar Country Homes in Rawang was built, units were snapped up because "it was a green haven where residents felt that the beautiful greenery, hillside area and pine trees along the roads exuded a calm atmosphere when they returned home from work. "It is good to come home to a bit of country lifestyle", many residents said.

In mid-July, I was invited for lunch at the Bukit Gita Bayu (also known as Windsong Heights), a 118-acre development of bungalows and walk-up apartments that reflected the architectural philosophy of conserving and retaining the existing natural environment and terrains. The architect, Lek Bunnag and the landscape architect, Bill Bensley, followed three essential elements in their approach to building Bukit Gita Bayu, two of which pertain to: retaining as many of the existing trees and shrubs as possible to preserve the natural character of the area; construction and buildings planned to minimise earthworks and the removal of trees.

As one can note from these three different housing projects, each and every one places high emphasis on nature and greenery, to give it an ambience and serenity so vital in the stressful world we live in today.

I therefore appeal that our trees - or whatever we have left - be kept and not taken away from us Tiarans.

Pat