Era FM trio back on air tomorrow after kavadi controversy

 

Era FM hosts Radin Amir Affendi Ahmad Aruani, Azad Jasmin, and Nabil Ahmad were suspended after they posted a video mocking the Thaipusam kavadi ritual. (Instagram pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Era FM morning show hosts Radin Amir Affendi Ahmad Aruani, Azad Jasmin, and Nabil Ahmad will be back on the air tomorrow a month after they stirred controversy for mocking the Thaipusam kavadi ritual.

The radio station said the trio will resume their early morning segment at 6am.

They had been suspended along with two other staff members over the TikTok video, which was later removed from the station’s social media platforms.

The video showed the DJs mimicking the kavadi dance while chanting “Vel Vel” and laughing. They subsequently apologised and acknowledged that their actions were insensitive, especially towards the Hindu community.

Era FM’s owner, Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd, was penalised with a RM250,000 compound by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, which regulates internet usage.

At least 73 police reports were lodged over the incident but the three hosts will not face further action. Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil had said the issue was considered resolved after the fine imposed on Maestra Broadcast, a subsidiary of the Astro media group. - FMT