No further action against Era FM DJs by MCMC, says Fahmi Fadzil

KUALA LUMPUR: No further action will be taken against the three radio presenters recently involved in a controversy, says Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi stated that the RM250,000 fine imposed on Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd, the operator of Era FM, is sufficient.

He explained that the compound was also deemed appropriate by the deputy public prosecutor (DPP).

Fahmi noted that all matters investigated under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) purview have been completed.

“MCMC does not take action hastily but instead bases it on guidance from the DPP,” he told reporters after attending a breaking of fast event with media practitioners on Tuesday (March 11).

He reiterated that the compound was directed at the company and not the individuals involved.

Fahmi added that the trio of Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jasmin, and Radin Amir Affendy have already endured enough.

“I spoke with them and learned that they are facing immense stress.

“They are celebrities and always in the public eye, but following the recent incident, various negative things happened to them.

“I told them to be patient in handling this and informed them we do not intend to take any further action.

“They have gone through enough,” he said.

Earlier Tuesday (March 11), it was reported that Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd, the operator of Era FM, will not be suspended following the recent controversy involving three of its DJs.

However, the company has been fined RM250,000.

MCMC stated it received an appeal from the company following a notice of intent for suspension, issued on March 7.

“After reviewing the arguments made in the appeal, we have decided not to suspend the licence of Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd.

“In making the decision, we also considered follow-up actions taken by the company, the apologies issued by those involved, as well as effects on radio stations Melody and Mix FM, which operate under the same licence,” MCMC said in a statement.

This follows public outrage over three Era FM hosts who came under criticism for allegedly mimicking the sacred Hindu Kavadi dance while chanting “Vel Vel”.

Astro Audio announced that the three radio presenters involved had been suspended from the air until further notice, pending an internal investigation.

Astro Audio also apologised for the incident.

Previously, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the police investigation has been completed and the investigation paper has been referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).

Razarudin also said a total of 73 police reports were lodged in connection with the case and a total of six individuals were called in to record their statements on Wednesday (March 5).

Separately, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim graced the breaking of fast session with media practitioners.

Anwar also presented contributions to ten selected media practitioners and mingled with leaders across the media industry.

Also present were Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng and managing editor Brian Martin.