In a Berita Harian report, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said an investigation paper has been opened under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Section 298 of the Penal Code relates to deliberately wounding the religious feelings of others, while Section 233 of the CMA relates to making and initiating the transmission of offensive communications.
Razarudin said police received six reports from across the country about the video.
He said the initial report was made by an engineer who saw a video on Facebook which was considered offensive to Hindus.
The video 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.
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, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil told the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the video which was posted on the radio station’s social media platforms.
Astro Audio, which had apologised for the incident, said its CEO and senior management had met with MCMC officials over the matter.
Astro Audio has also suspended the three Era FM radio hosts featured in the video – Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jasmin and Radin Amir Effendi Ahmad Aruani – and two other staff members.
The three radio hosts have issued a public apology and acknowledged the insensitivity of their actions.
No religion should be mocked, says Jakim
In a statement, the Islamic development department (Jakim) stressed that every religion must be respected. It also said that no religion should be made the subject of mockery or ridicule in any form.
Jakim director-general Sirajuddin Suhaimee said Islam is a religion which promotes peace and harmony, and that belittling or mocking non-Islamic religious practices not only contradicts Islamic teachings, but can also provoke tension and affect national harmony.
“Jakim reminds all parties to be mindful of religious sensitivities in everything they say and do,” he said.
“Avoid making statements or engaging in behavior that could offend the beliefs of other religions, and respect the freedom of religion as guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.”