Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has decided not to suspend the licence of Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd, the operator of radio station Era FM. Instead, the company has been fined RM250,000 for an offence involving the upload of extremely obscene content on its official TikTok account.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MCMC issued the compound after receiving approval from the Attorney General’s Chambers. The offence falls under section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, following amendments effective from February 11, 2025. The decision to impose a fine rather than suspend the license came after Maestra Broadcast submitted an appeal against the notice of intent to suspend, which was issued on March 7.

The MCMC’s statement highlighted the factors considered in their decision, including the company’s follow-up actions, apologies from involved parties, and the potential impact of a suspension on Melody and Mix FM radio stations, which operate under the same license. The commission underscored the seriousness of uploading content that could cause inter-religious tension or disrupt the harmony of Malaysia’s multi-racial community.

The controversy arose on March 4 when three Era FM radio hosts issued apologies over a video mocking the Hindu kavadi dance, a sacred ceremony performed during Thaipusam to Lord Murugan. The video, uploaded to the station’s social media platform, featured one host imitating the dance while chanting ‘Vel Vel’, followed by laughter from others, leading to widespread criticism for disrespecting religious traditions.

The MCMC has reminded all platform operators and users to act responsibly in preserving racial and religious harmony in Malaysia and to comply with national laws.