Era FM’s Operator Slapped With RM250,000 Fine Over Thaipusam Video, Avoids Suspension

The controversy surrounding Era FM’s recent viral video has taken a serious turn, with the operator, Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd, facing a hefty RM250,000 fine. The video, which was heavily criticised for mocking the Thaipusam kavadi ritual, sparked outrage and prompted swift action from authorities. Despite the backlash, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has decided not to suspend the operator’s broadcasting license, citing several factors in their decision.

The fine was imposed following the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ approval, confirming that Maestra Broadcast had violated Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. This section addresses offensive content shared online, which in this case was posted on Era FM’s official TikTok account.

MCMC explained that their decision not to suspend the broadcasting license came after carefully reviewing Maestra Broadcast’s appeal. The commission considered the company’s efforts to rectify the situation, the public apology made by the involved parties, and the potential impact on other stations like Melody and Mix FM, which also operate under the same license.

Source : Sinar Harian