(Miri, 2nd) Miri City Council reminds individuals or associations that organizing food carnivals or amusement park activities requires prior license application, violators may be fined or imprisoned.
The Miri City Council issued a statement today reminding that any individual or organization intending to hold food carnivals or amusement park activities within the Miri city limits must apply for a license at least 30 days before the event, and can only proceed with promotion, setup, or operation of the event venue after obtaining the relevant license.
The City Council pointed out that conducting such activities without a valid license is illegal and can be prosecuted under Section 5 of the 2000 Entertainment Ordinance and Section 24 of the 1999 Public Health Protection Ordinance.
According to the Entertainment Ordinance, offenders may be fined not more than RM20,000, imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both; while the Public Health Protection Ordinance stipulates that offenders may be fined not more than RM10,000, imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both.
Miri City Council highlighted that Miri, located in the northern Sarawak region, is a city of harmonious multicultural integration with a growing foreign population. Various amusement parks and food carnivals organized by associations or event planning companies showcase not only the traditional costumes and authentic cuisine of different ethnic groups but also incorporate modern popular elements, enriching the city's cultural life and attracting a large number of citizens and tourists.
However, the City Council particularly reminds that all vendors intending to participate in food carnivals or amusement activities must confirm that the organizer has successfully obtained the relevant license. Otherwise, if the activity is found to be operating illegally, vendors will need to bear all losses on their own, including confiscation of food or goods by law enforcement officers.
The Council stated that to ensure public health and safety, the City Council will continue to enforce strictly and ensure adherence to the following standards: all food sold must meet food safety standards; staff must undergo regular health checks; and the equipment and facilities used must be structurally safe and comply with government regulations.
Miri City Council reiterated that if any unapproved carnivals or amusement park activities are found or cause public disturbance, they reserve the right to legally order the closure of the event venue.