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Biodiversity & Land Use

Complementing THYSIS with a New Approach Tree Categorisations Despite not being permitted to cut trees on private properties
that pose a threat to power lines, this new strategy, which
requires a thorough assessment conducted by qualified Right
Acknowledging the impact of traditional methods has led TNB Grid manages a total of 13,402 K1 and K2 trees of Way (ROW) engineers, has seen 4,085 high-risk trees
to TNB Grid overhauling its tree-cutting strategy. This new (approximately 44 acres and approximately 536 tCO2e successfully preserved (approximately 14 acres and
strategy, introduced in May 2024, incorporates a risk-based sequestration annually) near power lines. The risk-based tree approximately 163 tCO2e sequestration annually),
approach that works in tandem with innovative technologies management approach assigns trees near power lines to representing a 100% increase from previous practices.
like THySIS. The risk-based approach focuses on a thorough one of three categories (K1, K2, K3) based on the thorough
assessment of trees near power lines, considering several assessment considering tree health, slope stability, and These preserved trees include those exceeding 100 years
factors that influence the likelihood of a tree impacting the location relative to hillsides. The breakdown of each category old, such as the endangered and protected Chengal
grid: is as follows: (neobalanocarpus heimii) hardwood tree, the Balak (Shorea
spp.), and trees that provide vital buffering functions for the
Tree Health K1 Trees ecosystem.This shift in approach not only safeguards our
valuable ecosystems but also upholds Malaysia’s commitment
A comprehensive evaluation of the tree's health, including signs of disease, decay, or These are trees identified as being in the most hazardous condition and pose a high
structural weaknesses that could pose a threat to power lines in the event of storms risk of falling onto power lines. They typically exhibit severe signs of disease, decay, to biodiversity conservation.
or high winds. or significant structural weaknesses that could cause them to fail even under normal
conditions. K1 trees are the highest priority for removal or mitigation.
Elevated Transmission Towers
Slope Stability K2 Trees
The location of the tree relative to slopes and potential land movement risks. Trees These trees are considered to be in a dangerous condition, but less so than K1 trees. Other than introducing a risk-based approach, TNB is
on unstable slopes, such as those showing signs of erosion or located near past They may have signs of disease, decay, or weak limbs that could pose a threat to
landslides, may pose a greater hazard if they fall. power lines during severe weather events like storms or strong winds. K2 trees prototyping the use of elevated transmission towers in
require close monitoring and may be scheduled for removal in the future. sensitive ecological areas like forests and nature reserves.
These innovative towers boast a taller design that allows
Hillside Area power lines to fly over the tree canopy, significantly reducing
K3 Trees the need for vegetation removal.
Trees located in hillside areas inherently have a higher probability of falling towards
power lines due to gravity
These are healthy trees that pose a low risk to power lines. They may undergo routine
monitoring, but removal is unlikely under the new strategy. K3 trees are typically left
undisturbed.
By considering these factors, we can further refine our
decision-making regarding tree management. This not
only enhances the safety and reliability of the grid but also As of May 2024, 6,336 trees (approximately 21 acres and
minimises unnecessary tree removal, ultimately preserving approximately 253 tCO2e sequestration annually) were
our valuable ecosystems. This move highlights our identified as K1 and K2 (danger trees), including in
commitment to balancing the need for reliable electricity privately-owned land and those under the purview of the
transmission with environmental responsibility. Forestry Department.

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