GEORGE TOWN, Dec. 22 -- A 30-year-old Bucida molineti tree fell on Jalan Penang here the day before yesterday, injuring a motorcyclist and passenger, after heavy rain and rotten roots weakened its base, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) said.

The tree, about 10 metres tall with a trunk circumference of 1.2 metres, had passed routine annual inspections, but MBPP said more detailed checks using satellite technology are underway, according to a report in Berita Harian today.

"Preventive measures are being strengthened, including detailed structural assessments and ground-penetrating radar scans to check root stability," the council said.

The incident occurred around 6.45pm, when the tree struck a motorcycle and a four-wheel-drive vehi...