By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU:Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) will take action against the organiser of the Songkran Sunset Splash Run for violating event approval conditions.
Commenting on the weekend event, which drew public criticism and backlash against the local authority, DBKK clarified that it was not directly involved in organising the programme.
“Any approval granted (to the organiser) was strictly subject to compliance with the stipulated conditions.
“Based on our observation, several aspects of the event implementation did not fully comply with the approved conditions, particularly involving the method of water usage, as well as cleanliness and safety impacts in public areas.
“Appropriate action will be taken against the organiser in accordance with existing laws and guidelines,” it said in a statement.
DBKK also said the organiser had been instructed to carry out immediate clean-up works and ensure the area was restored to its original condition.
Yesterday, Karambunai assemblyman Datuk Ali Akbar Gulasan urged authorities to be more mindful when approving such events, especially those involving water usage.
“There are water supply issues in several areas in Sepanggar and Karambunai. With the current hot and dry weather, the situation is expected to persist.
“Although I was not at the event, it is understood that there was water wastage during the Songkran festival.
“I hope the organiser and local authorities will be more careful to avoid wastage when others are facing difficulties accessing water,” he said in a Facebook post.
The organiser, KSRun Athletic Club, has issued an apology in a separate statement.
“All water used during the event was fully borne by the organiser and carefully planned as part of the event concept.
“At the same time, we acknowledge that in our efforts to prioritise participants’ experience and create meaningful memories, we may have overlooked certain public sensitivities and perceptions. For that, we sincerely apologise.”
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