KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said it had asked Facebook to remove an offensive post on the Hindu kavadi ritual by independent preacher Zamri Vinoth, and the social media platform did so today.
MCMC told Free Malaysia Today that although it made the takedown request to Facebook, the platform had to decide whether to do so in accordance with its community guidelines.
“In this regard, Facebook removed the post on March 9 (today),” MCMC said.
MCMC said it made the request to Facebook because the post was found to contain elements of an offence under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) for improper use of network facilities.
“However, the decision to remove the content was made by the platform subject to its assessment of the justifications provided and the platform’s community guidelines,” the commission said.
Zamri’s now removed post had said that many Hindus shouted “Vel Vel” wile “dancing like possessed and drunk” people.
The Muslim convert posted those remarks amid outcry over the antics of three Era FM radio presenters who allegedly mocked the kavadi ritual and posted their actions on social media. The presenters have since apologised and have also had their statements recorded by the police.
Last Friday, four days after the post by the Era FM presenters which was deleted by the radio station on the same day, Jelutong MP RSN Rayer questioned why Zamri’s post had not been removed or blocked by MCMC. The commission had earlier been swift to condemn Era FM and order an investigation, and has said it is mulling a suspension of its operations.
Besides Rayer, others who have called for legal action against Zamri include MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M Saravanan and Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh. – March 9, 2025