MCMC issues suspension warning to Era FM

The Malaysian communications and multimedia commission (MCMC) has issued a notice of intent to the licence holder of Era FM, Astro Audio, for the station’s suspension. This is in relation to the backlash faced by three Era FM hosts who were seen mocking a Thaipusam ritual in a viral video.  

MCMC said it also held a meeting with Astro’s top leadership, and an investigation paper has been opened under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for the improper use of network facilities.  

Don’t miss:  Astro promises to strengthen content review as Era FM hosts receive major backlash

In a statement seen by A+M, MCMC added that it will also submit an investigation paper to the deputy public prosecutor today regarding the Era FM video. “Statements of the parties involved have also been recorded to aid in the investigation.” 

Yesterday, Bernama reported that the police were finalising their investigation into the video, and the investigation papers would be submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) soon. 

Six individuals from the radio station had presented themselves at the Bukit Aman police headquarters to provide statements in a session that lasted over two hours on 5 March. To date, 44 police reports have been filed over the viral video.  

Following the surfacing of the viral video featuring three Era FM hosts mocking the kavadi ritual, Astro Audio, Era FM and the hosts issued public apologies for offending the public. It assured that the company is committed to upholding the trust of our listners and maintaining a respectful and inclusive media environment. 

In the same statement, MCMC also said comedian Harith Iskander has been fined RM10,000 for uploading offensive content on Facebook involving Islam on 18 January. Another user, Cecelia Yap has also been fined the same amount for posting offensive content online. MCMC said the content has been removed, after a request was made by the MCMC to Facebook's parent company Meta.

The commission also filed a request for the Facebook accounts of Harith and Yap to be shut down, and the request is currently being considered by Meta. 

Earlier, Harith Iskander posted a photo of a coffee drink named "Ham Sap coffee" along with the statement "I'm so confused. My iman tergugat (My faith is at risk). This coffee will lead me down the wrong path in so many ways." Meanwhile Cecelia Yap, had reportedly left a controversial comment on Harith's Facebook post. After the incident, Harith's upcoming show at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas was cancelled

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