Era FM escapes license suspension, fined RM250,000

Era FM will not be suspended, said the Malaysian communications and multimedia commission (MCMC). The decision comes after considering the corrective actions taken by the radio's license-holding company, Maestra Broadcast, including the company's apology in response to the issue. 

The decision also took into account the potential impact of a suspension on other radio stations under the company such as Melody FM and Mix FM, said the MCMC in a statement seen by A+M. 

However, Maestra Broadcast will be fined RM 250,000 for an offense under section 233 of the communications and multimedia act 1998. The MCMC said it views any action that could cause tension between religions or disrupt societal harmony seriously. 

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All operators and platform users must be responsible for preserving racial and religious harmony in Malaysia and abide by national laws, it added.

The MCMC first issued a notice of intent to suspend the radio station last week following the backlash faced by the three hosts. 

MCMC also held a meeting with Astro's top leadership and opened an investigation into the matter. 

The viral video saw hosts Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jasmin and Radin allegedly mocking the religious kavadi ritual. In the video, the hosts were seen mimicking the sacred Hindu act performed during Thaipusam, chanting the phrase “Vel Vel” while laughing.

Nabil, Azad and Radin were subsequently suspended, according to a statement published by Astro Audio. The three hosts have also issued an apology video on Era FM’s official social media platforms, and said they never intended to offend anyone with their actions and assured the same mistake will not be repeated. Era FM also posted a written apology, for offending the Indian and Hindu communities.

The incident drew mixed reactions across social platforms, according to media monitoring and social listening company DATAXET Nama. The overall sentiment towards the incident was overwhelmingly negative at 95%. Most of the comments (45%) condemned the Era FM hosts for their culturally insensitive actions and perceived mockery of Hindu religious practices.  

Meanwhile, 35% of the comments calling for severe punishment and boycotts dominated the discussion, reflecting widespread anger and disapproval, said social listening firm DATAXET Nama. Another 10% of online discourse highlighted alleged inconsistencies in the response to the perceived religious offences and inaction, in contrast against the perceived swift action against the presenters.  

DATAXET Nama also found a few comments which injected racial and religious bias into the discourse, expressing anxieties surrounding shifting social norms and perceived bias. However, there was a small minority of 5%, who either defended the DJs, suggested the offense was minor, or argued that the reaction was disproportionate, while a few offered neutral observations. 

In conversations with A+M, industry professionals commended Astro's swift actions. While Astro still has to take active steps to win back credibility, the incident will unlikely affect ad sales.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) may be a touchy subject to some nowadays, but it is something Astro will have to lean hard on to show that the right parties are being involved in rectifying processes long-term and endorsing their corrective measures," said Dave Prem, senior director at Redhill Malaysia. 

“Audiences often separate content from the brand, especially when the controversy involves individuals rather than the company itself. It will depend on the Era FM’s younger Malay audience and whether they are deeply affected by it,” added a former radio industry professional, who chooses to remain anonymous. 

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