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THE police have launched an investigation into a controversial video involving DJs from Era FM, which allegedly mocked a religious festival, following multiple complaints from the public.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain confirmed that six police reports have been filed in connection with the incident. He stated that the video in question has since been removed by Era FM.
“Investigations have revealed that the video was viewed 95,400 times and shared by 204 users,” Razarudin told the New Straits Times.
The police are conducting the investigation under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA), both of which address issues of religious sensitivity and the misuse of network facilities.
Under Section 298 of the Penal Code, those found guilty could face a sentence of up to one year in prison, a fine, or both.
Meanwhile, Section 233 of the CMA stipulates a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or a maximum imprisonment of one year, or both.
Additionally, those convicted under this section could face a daily fine of RM1,000 if the offense continues after conviction.
Razarudin mentioned that one of the police reports was filed by a 44-year-old engineer who came across the video on Facebook. The engineer expressed concerns that the video could fuel racial sensitivities.
"He lodged a report because the video was seen as playing on racial sensitivities," Razarudin explained.
In response to the controversy, the individuals involved have issued an official apology through the Era FM Facebook page, expressing regret over their actions.
The incident involved three Era FM DJs who were featured in a video that mocked a ritual performed during a religious festival.
The video, which was shared across the station’s social media platforms, sparked significant backlash from the public.
In light of the controversy, Astro Audio, the parent company of Era FM, issued a statement expressing its concern over the incident.
The company stated that as a responsible broadcaster, it takes the matter seriously and had taken swift action to address the situation.
As part of their response, the three DJs have been temporarily taken off the air pending further review of the incident.
Following the backlash, the DJs publicly acknowledged their mistake and issued an apology, admitting that their actions were insensitive. They expressed regret for any offense caused by their behaviour and reaffirmed their commitment to being more mindful in the future.
The controversy highlights the ongoing sensitivity around cultural and religious issues, with many calling for greater responsibility from public figures and broadcasters in managing content that could potentially offend different communities. – March 4, 2025
