Public split on fate of 130-year-old rain tree (Updated)

GEORGE TOWN: The public seems to be in two minds over what to do with am ailing 130-year-old tree at the entrance of the Penang Botanical Gardens.
Some of people theSun spoke too wanted the tree to be chopped down for safety while others expressed their hope the tree could be retained or a replacement one be planted.
Adrian Toh, 55, said there was no doubt in his mind the tree has to go and be replanted with a new tree to preserve the feel of the popular recreational area.
The businessman said the rain tree, which was planted in 1887 to commemorate the birthday of Queen Victoria, was symbolic but safety came first.
"There is no other choice," he said when met today.
Ahmad Bakar, 45, echoed similar sentiments saying that safety should take precedence over sentimentality.
"Who will be responsible if something happens? The lives of the people must be taken into account," the trader said,
Yeoh Kim Bok, 57, nonetheless urged the authorities to do all they can to preserve the tree due to the historical significance.
He pointed out the tree had lived for more than a century and should be treated with respect.
"Why not leave the tree as it is? I hope those in charge can come up with a solution to preserve the tree," he said. 
Kebun Bunga assemblyman Cheah Kah Peng meanwhile expressed his worries over what may happen if the branches of three fell and injured visitors.
He said a suitable replacement tree of a commensurate size and grandeur should be planted to preserve the feel of the Gardens in a statement.
The Penang Botanic Gardens Department has since started an exercise to solicit suggestions from the public over the issue and those interested have until March 9 to give their views.
The rain tree is one of 20 trees planted by British colonials on June 20, 1887, and is the only one left within the Gardens and is locally known as "Pokok Pukul Lima" (Five o' clock tree) as the leaves close before sunset and open just after sunrise.