According to a Berita Harian report, the tree that was imported from Brazil died due to unsuitable weather, soil and fertilisers. — Picture courtesy of Facebook/Zakaria Dagang

KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 — A Brazilian silk floss tree that cost RM180,000 to be transplanted in Bandar Baru Kuala Nerus in Terengganu has died.

According to a Berita Harian report, the tree that was imported from Brazil died due to unsuitable weather, soil and fertilisers.

“It is truly a pity that the unique tree died; however, it could not be avoided due to the weather factor.

“Though the weather in Brazil and Malaysia is hot, there still are differences which made it unsuitable for the tree to live here,” state Infrastructure, Public Utilities, Energy and Green Technology committee chairman Rosli Othman told the newspaper.

He said that there is also no plan to replace the tree.

The tree, known by its scientific name Ceiba Chodatii, became the centre of a controversy after state Opposition questioned the expenditure to import it from Brazil to be transplanted here.

The Public Works Department (PWD) in January clarified that the outlay did not come from public coffers.

Terengganu PWD director Ab Hamid Md Daud said the purchase of the trees were borne by the main contractor of the project and was not included in the scope of the project.