KUALA LUMPUR — Three Era FM radio presenters under investigation for allegedly mocking a Hindu ritual have made another apology, this time at Batu Caves to the management of the temple there.
The apology by the presenters – Radin Amir Affendi, Azad Jasmin and Nabil Ahmad – who host the 3 Pagi Era show, was recorded on video and posted to the social media accounts of Datuk Sivakumar Nadraja, who is reportedly a trustee of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Devasthanam.
“You can apologise, but action must still be taken…the issue has become public,” Sivakuar is seen saying in the video to the three presenters.
“If you hadn’t posted it to social media, it wouldn’t have become (an issue),” he added.
The Era FM staff are also seen shaking hands with other individuals who appear to be temple committee members and apologising.
Presenter Nabil is also seen saying, “I hope this video will make everybody ‘cool’ a bit.”
Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said investigation papers have been opened into the social media video of Era FM presenters appearing to mock the Kavadi dance, a Thaipusam ritual. One of them imitates the dance while he and others shout “Vel Vel”, followed by laughter.
Razarudin said six police reports were lodged over the matter yesterday since the video was uploaded in the morning.
The clip has now been deleted and the Era FM presenters had also apologised on the radio channel’s official Instagram account.
Parent broadcaster Astro Audio also issued a public apology yesterday, adding that it had taken the three presented off the air.
Razarudin said the matter is being investigated under Section 298 of the Penal Code which pertains to wounding the religious feelings of others, and under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities.
The issue has prompted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to remind Malaysians to avoid polemics on race, religion and royalty “in any form of statement or action”.
Tapah MP M. Saravanan called for an open apology and urged the government to take action against Era FM.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo also called for a thorough investigation against the Era FM staff as their actions were “highly offensive” and did not reflect Malaysia’s values of mutual respect.
Communications Minister Fahmii Fadzil has ordered the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to conduct a thorough investigation, and the management of Astro Audio and Era FM are to be called to the MCMC headquarters for an explanation. – March 5, 2025