BFM89.9 fires two employees for sexual misconduct (Updated)

PETALING JAYA: BFM has fired two employees due to sexual misconduct.

BFM 89.9 founder Malek Ali said that this was part of the findings from an independent investigating committee, comprising independent lawyers, which was submitted a board panel comprising current and former non-executive independent directors of BFM late last week.

"In respect of the allegations of sexual harassment, both employees have been served termination letters for misconduct. 

"The board determined that there is sufficient evidence to warrant this course of action," he said.

Malek added that the BFM management team acknowledged that more could have been done to proactively gather evidence, so that such misconduct could have been addressed in a more timely manner.

No names were mentioned in the statement.

He said that the management team was first made aware of the allegation in May 2017. 

"Immediately upon receiving the complaint, BFM’s management team commenced an investigation and took the highest form of disciplinary action by terminating the employment of the accused employee. 

"The BFM management team did not make a police report, as the complainant did not wish to escalate the matter at that time," he said in a statement.

Malik added that based on the recommendations of the board, the management team is committed to improving its structure for employees to report any grievances they may have. 

"Complaints will be handled impartially, and it is our intention to have this structure in place within four weeks," he said, adding that a review of BFM's existing internal policies and guidelines is also underway. 

He noted that the company's goal is to ensure its employees feel assured that they are working in a safe environment. 

"As part of this review, we will be instituting training and awareness programmes for all employees, these will clearly lay out the parameters of acceptable and unacceptable conduct in the workplace, and the consequences for transgressions.

"We continue to strive to create a workplace where everyone who works at, and with, BFM, regardless of their gender, feel safe and empowered," he said.

The allegations first surfaced through a circulated email of alleged sexual harassment at the radio station involving its employees.

The email, written by a former employee, alleged that the management had not looked into these harassment claims seriously.