MCMC issues notice of intent to suspend licence of Era FM operator

MCMC issues notice of intent to suspend licence of Era FM operator

The licensee has 30 days to submit a response before any final decision is made.

pak azad era
In the TikTok clip produced by Era FM, its DJs appear to be mocking the kavadi ritual while chanting ‘Vel Vel’ and laughing.
PETALING JAYA:
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued a notice of intent to suspend the licence of the operator of Era FM, following backlash over a video apparently mocking the Thaipusam kavadi ritual.

In a statement, MCMC said the licensee has been given 30 days to submit a response before any final decision is made.

“MCMC will submit an investigation paper to the deputy public prosecutor tomorrow regarding a video mocking the Hindu religion which was uploaded to the TikTok account of the Era FM radio station,” said the commission.

It had also summoned Astro’s top management yesterday following the controversy.

The commission said the investigation paper was opened under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for the improper use of network facilities, based on provisions from the amended Act.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain was reported by Bernama as saying that police are finalising their investigation into the video, with the investigation paper to be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers soon.

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

The six arrived at about 10.30am, and the session lasted over two hours. It was conducted by the Bukit Aman classified crime investigation unit.

To date, a total of 44 police reports have been filed regarding the video.

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