Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo has urged Astro Radio to conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action against Era FM staff who mocked the sacred Thaipusam kavadi ritual in a TikTok video which has since been widely shared online and via instant messaging platforms.
The video, featuring among others, three presenters of 3 Pagi Era – Azad Jazmin John Louis Jeffri, Nabil Ahmad, and Radin Amir Affendy Ahmad Aruani (main image) – mimicking the sacred Hindu kavadi ritual while chanting Vel Vel as they laughed, was posted on the radio station’s social media platforms.
“The actions by those in the video were highly offensive and deeply concerning. They do not reflect the values of mutual respect and understanding that are fundamental to our multicultural society,” said its minister, Gobind.
“The Thaipusam kavadi ritual holds profound significance to the Hindu community. Any form of mockery or disrespect towards it, or any religious practice, for that matter, is unacceptable.”
The trio has since issued an apology, and Astro Radio has said it has decided to take them off-air until further notice while it reviews the matter internally.
Meanwhile, Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil said Era FM will be investigated following the incident.
He said this will include summoning Astro and the radio station’s management to Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) headquarters to provide a full explanation.
