In a statement, Astro Audio said two other staff members had also been suspended in light of the video which featured the presenters on the 3 Pagi Era show mimicking the kavadi ritual, a sacred Hindu act performed during Thaipusam in devotion to Lord Muruga.
Astro Audio said it was continuing to conduct a thorough internal investigation of the matter, adding that its CEO and senior management met with Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) officials earlier today.
“Astro Audio once again expresses our deep regret over the incident that has caused distress and disappointment to various parties involving our three ERA radio announcers.
“We deeply appreciate the feedback, concerns and guidance from all parties, and (we) remain committed to ensuring that all our content adheres to the required guidelines and regulations,” it said.
The clip, which included footage of the hosts chanting the phrase “Vel Vel” while laughing, was widely condemned as being disrespectful of Hindu practices.
Earlier today, the hosts – Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jasmin and Radin Amir Effendi Ahmad Aruani – issued a public apology, admitting their mistake and acknowledging the insensitivity of their actions.
Astro Audio took the three off the air following outrage over the video, which was shared on the station’s social media platforms.
Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil had also instructed MCMC to launch a detailed investigation and summon Astro and ERA FM’s management for an explanation.
Meanwhile, former deputy Penang chief minister P Ramasamy has called on the police to probe the three radio hosts, saying their action falls within the scope of 3R (race, religion and royalty) offences.
Ramasamy said the apology by the hosts over their action should not absolve them of responsibility.
“An apology alone is insufficient. The police must investigate and charge those responsible for their offensive and humiliating actions,” he said in a statement.
Ramasamy said that Urimai, the organisation he leads, would be filing police reports across multiple states, including Penang, Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Johor to ensure this matter was not ignored.