In November 2002, property management company DTZ Debenham Tie Leung illegally felled a rare tree reputed to have given Changi its name. The 3.4 meter girth tree was standing in a conservation area, where felling of a tree with a girth above 1 metre is forbidden. Habitatnews has a detailed timeline of events.

The courts imposed a mere S$8,000 fine on the company for the offence, plus S$76,035 to be paid to the state in compensation for the felling.