MCMC issues notice on licence suspension to Era FM operator

Summary

• MCMC hands over notice of intention on licence suspension to Astro Audio, the operator of Era FM.

• MCMC says the licence holder has 30 days to respond to the notice.

• Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail urges the public to be more cautious in their conduct.

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The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has handed Astro Audio, the operator of radio station Era FM, with a notice of intention on licence suspension following a viral video of its presenters mocking a Hindu religious ceremony.

MCMC said the licence holder has 30 days to respond to the notice before a decision is taken.

“In another development, MCMC will submit its investigation papers tomorrow to the deputy public prosecutor in relation to a video that mocked the Hindu religion, uploaded to Era FM’s TikTok account.

“Following the case, MCMC had summoned Astro’s top management yesterday,” it said in a statement today.

Investigations are being carried out under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Summoned for questioning

Earlier today, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said investigation papers by the police would be submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) soon.

He said six individuals from the radio station had presented themselves at Bukit Aman police headquarters to provide statements.

The six arrived at about 10.30am, and the session lasted over two hours, conducted by the Bukit Aman Classified Criminal Investigation Unit.

Be mindful of conduct

Separately, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail reiterated that police are duty bound to investigate all reports received.

He said while an apology shows that the individual had reflected on their actions, the incident is a lesson for all to be more cautious of their actions in future.

“While we hope for others to understand our culture and religious sensitivities, we must also show the same towards them.

“Only then can we live in harmony,” he told reporters after his ministry’s breaking of fast function tonight.

To date, 44 police reports have been filed regarding the incident.

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