KUALA LUMPUR: Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil says that Era FM will be investigated immediately after its employees were seen seemingly mocking the Hindu religion in a now-viral video.
The video, which was originally shared on the station’s social media platforms on Tuesday morning (March 4), showed a number of its DJs mimicking the sacred Hindu kavadi dance while chanting “Vel Vel” as they laughed.
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Fahmi said he had received complaints from various parties regarding the actions of the Era FM staff and had directed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate the issue.
“This will include summoning Astro and the radio station’s management to attend the MCMC headquarters to provide a full explanation.
“This is to ensure that appropriate action can be taken based on existing regulations and laws,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Era FM has since publicly apologised over the viral video in a separate video uploaded on its social media platforms featuring its DJs Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jasmin and Radin Amir Affendy Ahmad Aruani
“We never intended to offend anyone, and we deeply respect the beliefs and values of every individual. We will be more careful in the future.
“We sincerely apologise for the unintentional mistake we have made. Please forgive us,” they said in the apology video uploaded on Tuesday.
This comes after the video was met with severe backlash from Malaysians online, with many condemning it as offensive against the Hindu community.
MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan was among the public figures who condemned the viral video as a “brainless and disgraceful” act by Era FM staff.
“This is not just stupidity—it is a blatant insult to the faith and traditions of Hindus in Malaysia. Such a disgusting display of ignorance and disrespect has no place in our society.
“As a media organisation, Era FM should have known better than to allow this kind of offensive nonsense as their staff have proven themselves to be utterly unfit to work in the media industry.
“Malaysia is built on the principles of mutual respect and harmony among different races and religions, but when a major media outlet allows such an insensitive and offensive act, it can create division and damage the very fabric of our multicultural society,” he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang has also condemned the viral video, saying that it violated the principles of our nation’s foundation, the Rukun Negara.
“Any act that offends the feelings of other religions should not be tolerated in our multi-racial society.
“I remind all parties to refrain from inciting tension or hatred between religious adherents. Any action that threatens national unity and harmony must be taken seriously,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) said that a public apology alone would not be enough due to the scale of the issue and called on the government and authorities to take necessary action.
“As media professionals, they must have known how important it is to be sensitive to 3R issues before uploading anything to social media.
“Surely, one of them must have seen and realised how insensitive the video’s content is before they uploaded it.
“Regardless of how they apologise now, it is up to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and relevant authorities to investigate and take the necessary actions,” he said in a press conference together with Senator Lingeshwaran R. Aruasalam at Parliament on Tuesday.
