PETALING JAYA: Astro must conduct a thorough investigation and appropriate action must be taken against Era FM staff who mocked the sacred Thaipusam kavadi festival in a video, says Gobind Singh Deo.
The Digital Minister said the actions of those in the video are highly offensive and deeply concerning, as they do not reflect the values of mutual respect and understanding that are fundamental to our multicultural society.
Gobind was referring to a recent incident involving Astro Radio's Era FM. In a viral TikTok video, certain individuals were depicted mocking the Thaipusam kavadi ritual.
"The Thaipusam kavadi ritual holds profound significance to the Hindu community, and any form of mockery or disrespect towards it or any religious practice is unacceptable," said Gobind in a statement on Tuesday (March 4).
State DAP Assistant Publicity Secretary M. Thulsi said she was outraged and deeply disturbed by the recent incident involving Era FM DJs who mocked the Thaipusam festival.
"To ridicule this sacred tradition is not only profoundly disrespectful but also a direct attack on the cultural and religious diversity of our nation," said the Buntong assemblyman in a statement on Tuesday.
Thulsi, who is also the DAP Wanita Assistant Organising Secretary, calls upon the government to take immediate action over the matter.
"ERA FM and the DJs responsible must face real consequences. A simple apology does not suffice when such disrespect has become a recurring problem," she said.
She said the government must enact stricter regulations and harsher penalties for any media content that mocks religious or cultural practices.
