KUCHING, Aug 4: Three individuals sustained minor injuries in a fun ride mishap at the Kuching Festival Fair 2025 last night (Aug 2), prompting Kuching South City Council (MBKS) to shut down the entire amusement section and launch a full investigation, with a safety reassessment to be conducted by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).
Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the incident occurred at around 9.40pm at the Dewan Masyarakat fairground, where the injured individuals were attended to on-site by the Malaysian Red Crescent.
“Last night, around 9.40pm, an unfortunate incident involving a fun ride occurred at the Kuching Festival Fair 2025 at Dewan Masyarakat. I was made to understand that three individuals sustained minor injuries and were treated by Malaysian Red Crescent on-site.
“On behalf of MBKS, I wish to express our deepest concern and heartfelt apologies to those affected and their families,” he said in a statement issued today.
Wee stressed that MBKS is treating the matter with utmost seriousness.
“This is not something we take lightly. As Mayor, I share the same shock and sadness that many of you feel. Our community’s safety is, and has always been, our top priority.
“Immediately after the incident, we took swift action by instructing the contractor to close the entire fun ride area and we have sought DOSH to reinspect the machines and the overall safety at the amusement site. It will remain closed until DOSH has thoroughly inspected and officially certified all rides to be safe,” he said.
He pointed out that MBKS had already enforced strict precautionary measures prior to the fair’s opening, requiring the amusement operator to secure DOSH clearance and valid public liability insurance.
“But even with these steps in place, this incident still happened, and for that, we are truly sorry,” he added.
MBKS is currently working closely with relevant authorities to determine the cause of the incident, and Wee affirmed that any further action will be taken with full responsibility.
“We will not compromise when it comes to safety,” he said.
In addition, MBKS has instructed the contractor to provide refunds to those who had purchased Tagada and Ferris Wheel tickets. Refunds will be available from Aug 4 to 6, 2025, between 5pm and 9pm, at the ticket counter at the amusement site.
Wee also called on the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or speculating on the incident.
“I humbly appeal to the public, please do not spread unverified information or speculate on the incident. Let’s not add fear or confusion during this time. We ask for your patience and trust as we manage this matter with full transparency and care.
“The Kuching Festival is a celebration of community, family, and joy and we are truly sorry that this incident has cast a shadow over that. As your Mayor, I am personally committed to ensuring that we learn from this and do everything necessary to restore public confidence,” he said.
“Last night, around 9.40pm, an unfortunate incident involving a fun ride occurred at the Kuching Festival Fair 2025 at Dewan Masyarakat. I was made to understand that three individuals sustained minor injuries and were treated by Malaysian Red Crescent on-site.
“On behalf of MBKS, I wish to express our deepest concern and heartfelt apologies to those affected and their families,” he said in a statement issued today.
Wee stressed that MBKS is treating the matter with utmost seriousness.
“This is not something we take lightly. As Mayor, I share the same shock and sadness that many of you feel. Our community’s safety is, and has always been, our top priority.
“Immediately after the incident, we took swift action by instructing the contractor to close the entire fun ride area and we have sought DOSH to reinspect the machines and the overall safety at the amusement site. It will remain closed until DOSH has thoroughly inspected and officially certified all rides to be safe,” he said.
He pointed out that MBKS had already enforced strict precautionary measures prior to the fair’s opening, requiring the amusement operator to secure DOSH clearance and valid public liability insurance.
“But even with these steps in place, this incident still happened, and for that, we are truly sorry,” he added.
MBKS is currently working closely with relevant authorities to determine the cause of the incident, and Wee affirmed that any further action will be taken with full responsibility.
“We will not compromise when it comes to safety,” he said.
In addition, MBKS has instructed the contractor to provide refunds to those who had purchased Tagada and Ferris Wheel tickets. Refunds will be available from Aug 4 to 6, 2025, between 5pm and 9pm, at the ticket counter at the amusement site.
Wee also called on the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or speculating on the incident.
“I humbly appeal to the public, please do not spread unverified information or speculate on the incident. Let’s not add fear or confusion during this time. We ask for your patience and trust as we manage this matter with full transparency and care.
“The Kuching Festival is a celebration of community, family, and joy and we are truly sorry that this incident has cast a shadow over that. As your Mayor, I am personally committed to ensuring that we learn from this and do everything necessary to restore public confidence,” he said.