PETALING JAYA: Malaysian radio channel Era FM’s operator escaped licence suspension but was fined RM250, 000 ( US$ 56, 657 ) on Tuesday ( Mar 11 ) for a video clip in which three of its hosts were seen mocking a Hindu ritual.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) made its decision after reviewing Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd’s appeal against a disqualification see issued on Mar 7.  ,
” After reviewing the company’s charm and considering many factors, including remedial actions taken by the licensing owner and a proper explanation from the parties involved, the committee opted against suspending the licence”, the MCMC said in a statement.
A suspension may have impacted another television channels, especially Melody and Mix FM, which operate under the same permission, it said.
On Mar 4, Era FM came under fire for a video posted on its Instagram page, in which television hosts Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jasmin and Radin Amir Affendy were seen mimicking the kavadi ceremony performed by believers during Thaipusam.  ,
The picture was taken down on the same day and prompted a rush of messages from Malaysia’s officials and government authorities, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who urged admiration for all faiths.  ,
At least 73 police accounts were filed on the event and six people from the television station were called in for police questioning.  ,
The policeman handed research papers over to the Attorney General’s Chambers on Mar 6.
But concerns were raised following the MCMC’s release of a disqualification recognize on Mar 7.  ,
M Saravanan, deputy president of the Malaysian Indian Congress ( MIC ) – a party within the Barisan Nasional coalition – described the notice as “harsh” and “unfair” to other staff members of the radio channel. He said they should never undergo due to the “wrongdoings” of the television hosts involved.  ,
Khairi Zainol Abidin, an council member from opposition group Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s children wing, furthermore considered a expulsion to be” very much”.  ,
The notice allowed the company 30 days to respond before a final decision was made.  ,
According to MCMC, an agency under the Communications Ministry, the RM250, 000 fine was issued under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for uploading offensive content on Era FM’s official social media accounts.
The fine was issued with approval from the Attorney General’s Chambers, it said.
The MCMC also emphasised its commitment to addressing online content that could incite religious tension or disrupt Malaysia’s racial harmony.  ,
” All platform operators and users are reminded to act responsibly in preserving racial and religious harmony in Malaysia and to comply with the country’s laws”, the statement said.