[MSN] Council patrols to foil plant thefts

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Council patrols to foil plant thefts

By IAN MCINTYRE

THERE is an alarming increase in theft of bonsai plants and trees belonging
to the Kota Baru Municipal Council.  

As a precautionary mea- sure, council enforcement officers are conducting
night pa-trols where the plants are placed.  

Besides bonsai, also gone missing are other decorative plants, flowers and
pots. 

State Local Government Committee chairman Takiyud-din Hassan, who confirmed
this, said the rate of theft had gone down since the council began evening
patrols in the municipality. 

"The culprits are hampering our landscaping efforts," he added.  

The council would not be distracted by the thefts and planned to expand the
plan-ting of bonsai and decorative plants in strategic spots of the town,
Takiyuddin said after opening the national bonsai plants and trees
competition at the state museum in Kota Baru on Saturday. 

He urged the private sector to also put up bonsai plants, trees or greenery
in their pre-mises. 

The competition saw the participation of 100 bonsai enthusiasts from
throughout the country who will dis- play their creations for four days.  

A total of 130 bonsai plants and trees from seven categories with prices
ranging from RM2,000 to RM130,000.  

Trader Ng Tien Sun, from Pahang, grabbed the overall top prize for his
bonsai creation and took home RM1,000 and a certificate from the
organi-sers.  

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