AN elderly man went through a terrifying moment when he was trapped in his house after a 50-ton tree, said to be over 150 years old, fell on his house in Jalan Batu Gantung, George Town, last night.
In the incident, the 83-year-old victim was rescued by firefighters and was not injured.
Paya Terubong Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) Operations Commander, Mohd Zaini Zainudin, said they received a call at 8.48 pm before the team arrived at the location about seven minutes later.
He said that the operation involved 19 members with the assistance of the nearby Volunteer Fire Brigade (PBS), the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Penang City Council (MBPP).
“Upon arriving at the location, it was discovered that the incident involved two houses, where the first residence without occupants, was damaged at the gate and roof.
“Meanwhile, the second house had damage to the fence and roof of the car park, in addition to one of the three vehicles there also being damaged.
"Initial information also indicated that there was an elderly man trapped in the second house because the fallen tree was blocking the exit," he said.
Mohd Zaini said that the rescue team helped cut the branches using special equipment and removed them with the help of a crane from MBPP.
"It is understood that the fallen tree is categorised as a heritage tree with an estimated age of over 150 years and weighs over 50 tons," he said.
According to Mohd Zaini, firefighters faced difficulties during the operation due to the electrical cables being pulled down, as well as the tree trunk and branches being too large, making the cutting work difficult.
"We were also worried if the tree moved because it could cause the officers to fall and suffer injuries.
"The operation was handed over to MBPP for further action, including removing the fallen tree once the rescue task was completed," he said. – July 3, 2026
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