By Aida Aziz
IPOH: The ‘Jom Lepak Dataran Ipoh’ programme scheduled for September 12, which has gone viral on social media, has not received any permission or approval from the Ipoh City Council (MBI).
In a statement, MBI said it had not received any official application from the organisers to hold the programme at Dataran Bandaraya Ipoh.
The programme is also understood to involve inviting motorcycle owners to gather at the location.
MBI stressed that any activity involving public gatherings, particularly those involving a large number of motorcycles, could potentially cause traffic congestion.
It could also result in excessive noise, public disturbances, accident risks, dangerous motorcycle actions and disruption to road users and nearby residents.
As such, the organisers and members of the public have been advised not to proceed with any programme, gathering or activity at the location without first obtaining approval from the police, MBI and other relevant agencies.
“MBI takes note of an announcement currently going viral on social media regarding a programme inviting members of the public to gather or ‘lepak’ at Dataran Bandaraya Ipoh on Saturday at 8 pm.
“MBI has never given any permission, approval or support for the organisation of the programme.
“MBI takes seriously any use of Dataran Bandaraya Ipoh and public facilities under the council’s supervision for the purpose of organising programmes or gatherings without first obtaining the necessary permission.
“Any dangerous riding manoeuvres, illegal racing, excessive engine revving, the use of exhaust systems producing excessive noise, road obstruction, uncontrolled parking or any action that could endanger the public will not be tolerated,” it said.
The organisers and individuals participating in the programme will be fully responsible for all risks, incidents, accidents, injuries, loss, property damage, traffic disruptions, public disturbances or any other undesirable incidents.
It said MBI would therefore not be responsible for any incidents or implications arising from programmes organised without official approval.
“The use of MBI’s name, images, logo, buildings, premises or Dataran Bandaraya Ipoh as a background in any poster, video, social media post or promotional material must not be regarded or interpreted as proof that the programme has received official approval from MBI.
“MBI will also cooperate with the relevant enforcement agencies and will not hesitate to take firm action under the provisions of the applicable laws and regulations to prevent and ensure that no breach of the law occurs.
“Members of the public, including members of motorcycle groups or communities, are advised not to attend or participate in the programme on the assumption that it is an official programme or has purportedly received MBI approval based solely on announcements circulating on social media,” it said.
