03-05-2025
Miri City Council warns of fines, seizures for unlicensed events
Yii says the council has issued notices to operators who failed to apply for proper licences, and is currently issuing a press release as final warning before enforcement begins. – Photo by Chimon Upon
MIRI (May 3): The Miri City Council (MCC) is taking a firmer stance against individuals and organisations operating fun fairs and food fairs without the necessary licences, and warned that failure to comply with the law could lead to fines and imprisonment.
Mayor Adam Yii said the council has issued notices to operators who failed to apply for proper licences, and is currently issuing a press release as final warning before enforcement begins.
'There have been cases of such non-compliance but up until now, only warning notices have been served.
'Following this press release, MCC will begin issuing compounds and carrying out seizures,' he told The Borneo Post when contacted.
He said as of last week, it was agreed that following the issuance of notices, the Public Health Section will proceed with compounding while enforcement officers will be authorised to seize any non-compliant operations.
In the press release, MCC reminds all individuals and organisations who intend to organise a fun fair or food fair to apply for a licence at least 30 days prior to the commencement date.
'It is mandatory to obtain the necessary licence before promoting, setting up, or operating any temporary fun fair and/or food fair.
'Failure to comply is an offence under Section 5 of the Entertainment Ordinance, 2000, and Section 24 of the Protection of Public Health Ordinance, 1999.
'The penalties from the non-compliance under the Entertainment Ordinance, 2000 is fine not exceeding RM20,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both; while under the Protection of Public Health Ordinance, 1999, failure to comply will resulted in a fine not exceeding RM10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.'
MCC also reminded vendors participating in any fun fair or food fair to first ensure that the event's organiser has secured the required licence.
'Vendors participating in unlicensed events do so at their own risks and are solely responsible for any loss incurred, including the seizure of their food and wares by MCC enforcement officers,' it said.
Additionally, MCC pledged it will continue to enforce strict safety and public health standards to ensure all food sold are safe, along with ensuring all workers undergo medical examinations as well as all machinery and equipment used are structurally safe and compliant with regulations.
'MCC reserves the right to close any fun fair and/or food fair that are found operating without a licence or causing nuisance to the public,' it added. adam yii fine lead Miri City Council seizures unlicenced
