KUCHING: The well-being and recovery of those injured in the Aug 2 Tagada ride incident at the Kuching Festival remains the top priority as investigations into the matter continues.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said various meetings have been conducted to properly discuss the cause of the incident.
“We have already held the first meeting and will convene another soon.
“Following that, we plan to step up awareness campaigns, ensuring city councils and the public, especially those organising fun rides or similar events, understand all required procedures and safety measures.”
Wee said this when met by reporters after attending a press conference for the upcoming Mayor on Tuesday (Aug 12).
He noted that MBKS has been actively following up with the injured since the incident, adding that he personally visited one of them on Aug 3 and has contacted several affected families.
“When something like this happens, our first priority is to check on the injured and see how they are doing. If we just wait for reports while accusing each other, nothing will improve.”
He stressed that the incident is under investigation and urged the public not to speculate or assign blame before the authorities conclude their findings.
The Tagada ride, he explained, was operated by a contractor appointed through a tender process, and the necessary documentation is in place, with MBKS working with the Department of Safety and Health (DOSH) to determine the cause and any regulatory measures needed.
“We need to be a caring society, sharing responsibility and not pushing blame. The important thing now is to resolve the issue and ensure those injured are taken care of.”
Wee also reminded the public that the Kuching Festival, which has been built up over 39 years, is a major tourism draw attracting over a million visitors annually, including many foreigners.
It also serves as a platform for young entrepreneurs and is part of Kuching’s identity as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy.
“It takes great effort to maintain this festival but only one day to destroy it. Please don’t politicise the matter. If you have an issue with me, come and talk to me directly.”
Looking ahead, Wee said the council will step up awareness campaigns for event organisers on safety compliance and procedures.
For the record, three people sustained minor injuries after the Tagada ride at the Kuching Festival fairground suddenly collapsed.
The incident occurred at around 9.40pm, and all victims received treatment at the scene from the Malaysian Red Crescent first aid team.
Wee, who visited the site, expressed his regret and apologised to the victims and their families over the incident.
“We have already held the first meeting and will convene another soon.
“Following that, we plan to step up awareness campaigns, ensuring city councils and the public, especially those organising fun rides or similar events, understand all required procedures and safety measures.”
Wee said this when met by reporters after attending a press conference for the upcoming Mayor on Tuesday (Aug 12).
He noted that MBKS has been actively following up with the injured since the incident, adding that he personally visited one of them on Aug 3 and has contacted several affected families.
“When something like this happens, our first priority is to check on the injured and see how they are doing. If we just wait for reports while accusing each other, nothing will improve.”
He stressed that the incident is under investigation and urged the public not to speculate or assign blame before the authorities conclude their findings.
The Tagada ride, he explained, was operated by a contractor appointed through a tender process, and the necessary documentation is in place, with MBKS working with the Department of Safety and Health (DOSH) to determine the cause and any regulatory measures needed.
“We need to be a caring society, sharing responsibility and not pushing blame. The important thing now is to resolve the issue and ensure those injured are taken care of.”
Wee also reminded the public that the Kuching Festival, which has been built up over 39 years, is a major tourism draw attracting over a million visitors annually, including many foreigners.
It also serves as a platform for young entrepreneurs and is part of Kuching’s identity as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy.
“It takes great effort to maintain this festival but only one day to destroy it. Please don’t politicise the matter. If you have an issue with me, come and talk to me directly.”
Looking ahead, Wee said the council will step up awareness campaigns for event organisers on safety compliance and procedures.
For the record, three people sustained minor injuries after the Tagada ride at the Kuching Festival fairground suddenly collapsed.
The incident occurred at around 9.40pm, and all victims received treatment at the scene from the Malaysian Red Crescent first aid team.
Wee, who visited the site, expressed his regret and apologised to the victims and their families over the incident.