As the durian trees at Lorong Lew Lian bear fruit once again, residents are reminded not to pick the durians due to safety and legal concerns. The trees are part of the estate's heritage, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
Durian s are once again hanging from the trees at Lorong Lew Lian, drawing the attention of residents as the seasonal fruiting returns. During a site visit on Tuesday, June 2, AsiaOne observed residents passing by the area and instinctively looking up at the trees that line a roughly 100-metre slope beside Block 5 at Lorong Lew Lian.
The sight of the spiky fruits dangling from branches has become a familiar and eagerly anticipated event for those living nearby. One resident shared that she had seen neighbours loitering in the mornings, apparently waiting for durians to drop from the trees. Some who managed to collect fallen fruit described it as slightly sweet in taste.
However, not everyone is pleased. A 62-year-old teacher expressed concerns over the safety risks posed by falling durians, which can weigh several kilograms and cause serious injury if they hit someone. She suggested that authorities could better estimate when the fruits are likely to drop so residents can take precautions or install barriers to keep people away from the trees. The durian trees are not just any ordinary trees; they hold historical significance for the neighbourhood.
The name Lorong Lew Lian is derived from the Hokkien word for durian, and the area is believed to have once been a durian plantation dating back more than 70 years. The existing trees were planted during a community initiative in 1995, with additional trees added in 2015 during Singapore's SG50 celebrations. Over time, they have become a distinctive feature of the neighbourhood, cherished by many as a living heritage.
The Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Town Council, which manages the area, said the trees are closely monitored during the fruiting season. Contractors inspect the trees regularly and may remove fruits early if necessary to reduce the risk of durians falling and causing injury. Warning signs have also been placed around the site to discourage members of the public from picking or collecting the fruit. The town council added that the durian trees are part of the estate's heritage landscape.
Despite the precautions, the temptation to collect the free fruit remains high. Some residents view it as a rare treat, while others see it as a way to connect with the area's history.
However, the town council emphasized that it has not received any reports of injuries or formal complaints linked to falling durians so far. The council continues to balance the preservation of the trees with public safety.
In addition to the physical risks, there are legal consequences for unauthorised collection. Under Singapore regulations, trees on state land, including their fruits, belong to the state and are typically managed by the National Parks Board. Unauthorised picking or collection of fruits from public areas is not allowed, with offenders liable to a fine of up to $5,000.
In more serious cases involving nature reserves or national parks, penalties can go up to $50,000, with a jail term of up to six months, or both. This serves as a stern reminder for those tempted to take matters into their own hands. The durian trees at Lorong Lew Lian are a unique part of Singapore's urban landscape, offering a taste of the past amidst modern developments.
While the seasonal fruiting brings excitement and a sense of nostalgia, it also requires a collective responsibility from both residents and authorities to ensure safety and compliance with the law. As the durian season progresses, the town council will continue to monitor the trees and remind the public to enjoy the durians from a distance. Whether the fruit is sweet or not, the real value lies in the community's shared heritage and the stories that these trees continue to inspire.
For now, the durians hang from the trees, a symbol of nature's bounty and the enduring legacy of a bygone era
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