Summary

  • Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain says his team is investigating the three Era FM hosts over a video mocking the Thaipusam kavadi ritual.

  • He also says six police reports were lodged on the matter.

  • Razarudin adds the case is being probed under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

The police have launched an investigation against the hosts of Astro’s radio station Era FM over a video mocking the Thaipusam kavadi ritual, said Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain.

According to Buletin TV3 today, Razarudin also said six reports were lodged over the matter from across Malaysia.

“We are investigating the matter under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,” he added.

Earlier, the three Era FM hosts - Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jasmin, and Radin Amir Affendy apologised for insulting Indians and admitted that they had made a mistake.

They vowed to do better and were open to criticism and feedback on how they could improve.

“Once again, we apologise for our unintentional mistake,” Azad said.

Viral video showing one of Era FM’s DJs mocking the Thaipusam kavadi ritual

However, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil ordered the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to conduct a thorough probe.

Era FM operator Astro Audio had also suspended the hosts and two other employees over the matter.

Over 95k views

On that note, Razarudin mentioned that the first report was lodged by a 44-year-old engineer after the latter came across the video on Facebook.

“Several individuals from the radio station were alleged to have chanted ‘vel, vel’, while another guy was seen dancing.

“The complainant lodged a police report because it was belittling the Hindu religion and their sensitivity,” he said, adding that the original footage from Facebook had been deleted.

Razarudin also mentioned the video was viewed 95,400 times and was shared 204 times.

Mocking other religions contrary to Islam - Jakim

Mocking other religions contrary to Islam - Jakim

MIC demands strong govt action against Era FM for insulting Hinduism

MIC demands strong govt action against Era FM for insulting Hinduism

LETTER | To all my loving Malaysian friends

LETTER | To all my loving Malaysian friends

Joyous Thaipusam for Hindus throughout Malaysia

Joyous Thaipusam for Hindus throughout Malaysia