In a statement, the MCMC said it initially issued a notice of intent to suspend Maestra Broadcast’s licence on March 7.

“However, after reviewing the company’s appeal and considering several factors, including corrective action taken by the licence holder and a formal apology from the parties involved, the commission opted against suspending the licence,” it said.

The MCMC said it also took into account the potential impact on other radio stations operating under the same licence, namely Melody and Mix FM.

“Maestra Broadcast was issued a RM250,000 compound for violating Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities,” said the commission.

The MCMC said the compound was imposed after the commission obtained the consent of the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

The commission also said it took seriously any act of uploading online content that could incite religious tension or disrupt harmony in Malaysia’s multiracial society.

“All platform operators and users are reminded to act responsibly in preserving racial and religious harmony in Malaysia and to comply with the country’s laws,” it said.

Last week, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said 73 police reports had been received over the controversial video, where the three Era FM radio hosts – Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jasmin and Radin Amir Affendi Ahmad Aruani – received backlash for apparently mocking the Thaipusam kavadi ritual.

The trio subsequently apologised for their actions, but they were suspended by Astro Audio nonetheless. Two other staff of the radio station also faced suspension over the incident.

Six people from the radio station provided statements at the Bukit Aman police headquarters.