The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) says Era FM has the obligation to ensure that content aired and posted on its official social media platforms is not offensive.

Its president, Dao Zhang Tan Hoe Chieow, said the incident involving three Era FM radio presenters mocking the sacred Thaipusam kavadi ritual in a TikTok video was a serious offence.

“The radio station’s management has the obligation to ensure all content uploaded is not offensive,” said Tan.

“Action should not only be taken against the presenters but also against the radio station’s management. Era FM is a station under Astro.”

The video, featuring, among others, three presenters of 3 Pagi Era – Azad Jazmin John Louis Jeffri, Nabil Ahmad, and Radin Amir Affendy Ahmad Aruani – mimicking the sacred Hindu kavadi ritual while chanting “Vel Vel” as they laughed, was posted on the radio station’s social media platforms.

Tan said Malaysia is a multi-religious, multi-cultural, and multi-racial society, and such content by the radio station would fuel anger among the Hindu community.

“We all have different practices and religions. We should be sensitive to the faiths of others and must not mock their rituals, as every ritual has its meaning and purpose that we may not understand,” he said.

He added that there is a need to understand, respect, and accept the religious practices of other faiths for the good of the nation.

Earlier today, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo urged Astro to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action against the Era FM staff involved.

The trio has since issued an apology. In a statement, Astro Audio said it has suspended the three announcers and two additional staff members. It also said its CEO and senior leaders met with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission today.

Criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said while the apology issued by the three radio presenters was necessary, it was not sufficient to address the gravity of the situation.

“Mocking a sacred ritual, especially one tied to religious devotion, can deeply offend and harm the feelings of the community involved,” said Sundramoorthy.

“In this case, the kavadi dance and the Thaipusam celebration hold significant religious and cultural meaning for Hindus, and the video undermines that respect.”

Sundramoorthy, who is an honorary associate professor at the Centre for Policy Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, said that given the seriousness of the offence, severe disciplinary action was warranted to send a clear message that such behaviour is unacceptable.

“This could include suspension of the presenters, revocation of their privileges or positions, and retraining on cultural sensitivity and respect for religious practices for the staff.

“Additionally, it would be important for the radio station to publicly announce the specific disciplinary actions taken to ensure transparency and restore public trust,” he said.

Sundramoorthy said publicising the disciplinary action was crucial not only for accountability but also to demonstrate a commitment to upholding respect for diversity and cultural practices.

“This will also serve as a deterrent for other public figures or influencers who may engage in similar behaviour in the future,” he said.

“The focus should be on fostering an environment that values respect, education, and understanding across all communities,” he added.

This article first appeared on Twentytwo13.