KUALA SELANGOR: The funfair in Eco Grandeur in Puncak Alam where two women and a child were thrown off a ride last night, was operating without a permit.
Kuala Selangor police chief Superintendent Ramli Kasa said preliminary checks showed the operator's permit application had not been approved but yet the funfair proceeded to open to public.
He said police received a distress call at 8.50pm and upon arrival, they noticed two women and a child lying on the ground, injured.
"The three of them fell while the ride known as the 'Sotong Ride' was in motion. All the victims were taken to Shah Alam Hospital in an ambulance," he said.
Ramli said the case is being investigated under Section 6 of the Selangor State Entertainment & Places of Entertainment Enactment 1995 for operating without a licence.
Earlier, several viral videos and photos on social media showed the ride apparently losing control, which caused the victims to fall to the ground.
Meanwhile, Kuala Selangor Municipal Council (MPKS) YDP president Rahilah Rahmat when contacted confirmed that the funfair operator did not have a permit to operate.
She said checks showed that the operator had been issued a warning to stop operation, followed by a confiscation order last month.
"The funfair operators permit application was rejected due to several reasons but they continued to operate illegally," she said.
Among the reasons for the rejection included safety aspects and requirements that were not met.
"Despite not getting the approval, the funfair started operating on Saturday. Barely two days and this happened," said Rahilah who also visited the carnival site earlier this morning.
She said an immediate stop order and notice under Section 6 has been issued to the operator.
"The offence carries a maximum fine of RM25,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, if convicted.
In the incident, three individuals including a child were injured after being flung off while riding the spinning 'Sotong Ride' and are now receiving treatment at the Shah Alam hospital.
Last year, a similar incident had occurred at a funfair ground in Cheras Selatan near Balakong on November 11.
In that incident, a 39-year-old man fell from the funfair's Ferris Wheel and was pronounced dead at the scene while another was seriously injuried.
Although poor safety measures were blamed for last year's incident, the operator of the funfair had not been investigated for negligence.
The funfair was said to have operated illegally, as there were no permit issued by the local council, Kajang Municipal Council.