By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 8: Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong today urged Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and fun fair ride operators to treat the recent amusement ride mishap at the Kuching Festival Fair as a wake-up call to prioritise public safety by ensuring Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) certification.
Speaking at a press conference, Yong emphasised that the Aug 2 incident, which saw three individuals sustain minor injuries after falling from a platform while waiting to board the Tagada ride, should not be brushed aside lightly.
While she expressed relief that no lives were lost, she warned that the situation could have been far worse.
“I hope such an incident will not repeat in the future, but for me, it should serve as a lesson not only to the ride operator but also to MBKS as the organiser of the Kuching Festival Fair,” she said.
Yong emphasised that safety checks must be more stringent moving forward, adding that “every activity must be screened thoroughly because safety is of utmost importance because we only have one life.”
She also said MBKS should take full responsibility for the victims’ medical expenses.
“While I note reports stating the incident occurred due to overloading, we must remember that a crowd is to be expected at such a popular event. That is not an excuse.
“There must be someone stationed at the ride to manage the crowd. We need to question if any employee was tasked with this. Going forward, this should be mandatory,” she stressed.
Highlighting the nature of amusement rides, many of which involve high-speed movements or swinging motions, Yong said DOSH certification must be non-negotiable.
“If a bolt is loose or something goes wrong, an accident can happen in seconds. This is why compliance with DOSH’s certification requirements is absolutely crucial,” she added.
She also reminded the public to be patient and cautious when queuing for such rides, especially in crowded conditions, to prevent unnecessary incidents.
“Life is precious for all. So exercise care and patient, especially when it is too crowded, instead of rushing or trying to squeeze in to take the ride,” she advised.
On Aug 5, DOSH Sarawak confirmed in a statement reported by Sarawak Tribune that both the Tagada and Ferris Wheel rides had been installed since July 23 without valid certificates of fitness and were not registered with the department.
These rides fall under the category that requires mandatory certification under the Guidelines on the Safety Management of Amusement Park Devices (2008).
As a result, DOSH issued three prohibition notices against the operator for failing to meet legal safety requirements. The case is currently under investigation under Section 17 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514), which carries a maximum fine of RM500,000 upon conviction.
Following the mishap, MBKS has shut down the entire amusement section of the Kuching Festival and launched a full investigation in collaboration with DOSH.
Contrary to viral social media claims, DOSH clarified that the injuries did not result from the collapse of the Tagada machine itself, but from a fall involving the ride’s waiting platform.
The victims were attended to at the scene by the Malaysian Red Crescent Society before being taken to KPJ Hospital for further treatment.
“MBKS will not compromise when it comes to the safety of the people,” he said, adding that all rides will remain closed until certified safe by DOSH.
He affirmed that MBKS will not compromise when it comes to safety of the people and any further action will be taken with full responsibility. — DayakDaily
