KUCHING: The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Sarawak has issued three prohibition notices against the operator of the “Tagada” and Ferris Wheel rides at the Kuching Food Festival for failing to register the machines and obtain valid safety certifications.
This follows an incident where three visitors were injured on Aug 2 around 9.30pm at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) compound.
“Investigators found that the victims had fallen along with a platform while waiting for their turn on the Tagada ride. They were treated at the scene by the Malaysian Red Crescent Society and later taken to KPJ Hospital for further treatment.
“Contrary to claims circulating on social media, their injuries did not involve the Tagada machine itself collapsing,” the department said.
DOSH Sarawak added that both the Tagada and Ferris Wheel rides had been installed by the same operator since July 23 without valid certificates of fitness and were not registered with the department.
The rides fall under the category requiring mandatory certification under the Guidelines on the Safety Management of Amusement Park Devices (2008).
DOSH strongly denied allegations that its officers had inspected or approved the rides, and confirmed that no formal applications had been submitted by the operator to operate either of them legally.
“The failure to register and obtain fitness certification constitutes an offence under the Occupational Safety and Health (Machinery Requiring Certificate of Fitness) Regulations 2024,” the department said.
As a result, three prohibition notices were issued against the operator and the case is being investigated under Section 17 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514).
Those found guilty may face a maximum fine of RM500,000.
In light of this, all amusement park operators and event organisers are urged to ensure all rides are safely installed, structurally sound, properly maintained, and in full compliance with established safety standards to protect public safety.
