KUALA LUMPUR – MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan has expressed concern over the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) proposal to suspend radio station ERA FM following a controversy involving three radio presenters, saying the move may be too severe.
He said such action could impact many employees who were not involved in the matter.
“Many innocent employees of all races work there, and their livelihoods should not be affected due to the actions of a few individuals.
“As we are in the holy month of Ramadan, let us embrace unity, forgiveness, and fairness in addressing this issue. The DJs have made a serious misstep in the name of content creation, but they are now facing the repercussions,” he said in a statement.
“Their intention may not have been to create chaos or animosity, and we must allow the legal process to take its course in order for there to be precedents over such matter.”
However, Saravanan stressed that the government must take firm action against individuals who incite religious tensions on social media, warning that such actions could threaten national harmony.
“People like Zamri Vinoth have a long track record of making inflammatory remarks that sow discord among Malaysians,” he said.
“Under the pretence of religious preaching, he has continuously spread harmful narratives, provoking tensions between communities.”
At the same time, he called for action against individuals such as Vijayan Savarinathan, who has been accused of insulting Islam, similar to measures taken against those who have demeaned Hinduism.
“What we need is consistency in action. There cannot be selective enforcement when it comes to matters of racial and religious sensitivity,” he said.
“The government must apply the law fairly and firmly to all parties who threaten the peace and harmony of our nation. This is not about race or religion but about ensuring mutual respect among Malaysians.”
Meanwhile, ERA FM’s parent company Astro Audio said it will provide full cooperation to the MCMC regarding the investigation into the content uploaded on the social media accounts of ERA radio station.
Astro Audio in a statement today announced that it has taken note of the statement issued by MCMC and will provide a response as requested.
“We have also taken note of the Notice of Intent to Suspend the License and will submit an official response within the specified time period,” the statement said.
Astro Audio stressed that it views the matter seriously and is committed to complying with regulatory standards and community guidelines on each platform it operates.
At the same time, Astro Audio also expressed regret over the incident that occurred and the inconvenience experienced.
On March 4, MCMC was directed by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil to conduct a detailed investigation into the viral video of three ERA radio presenters, who were seen making fun of a religious ceremony.
MCMC in a statement yesterday announced that it had summoned Astro’s top management to assist in the investigation of the issue under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, based on the provisions after the amendment of the act. – March 6, 2025