KUCHING: MP Kuching Special Assistant, Lesley Chong has expressed deep concern following the Department of Occupational Safety and Health’s (DOSH) recent findings on the Tagada ride at the Kuching Food Festival, which revealed that the operator had neither registered the ride nor obtained valid certificates of fitness.
“This raises serious questions about the level of oversight and due diligence exercised by MBKS as the event organiser. Ensuring that all funfair rides and attractions are properly certified and safe for public use should have been a fundamental responsibility,” Chong said.
Acknowledging the importance of events like the Kuching Food Festival in bringing communities together but stressed that safety must never be compromised, Chong pointed out they while it is common for organisers to engage third-party operators, it is crucial that proper checks and balances are in place. She said relying purely on external assurances is not enough when public safety is involved.
She urged MBKS to take the incident seriously and to treat it as a learning opportunity. “The community deserves reassurance that such oversights will not be repeated. MBKS must review its internal procedures and take clear, transparent steps to strengthen safety enforcement moving forward.”
“This incident should serve as a wake-up call. We must ensure that future events prioritise not just the excitement and atmosphere, but also the safety and well-being of everyone who attends especially families and young children, ” she added.
By Connie Chieng