Mocking Religious Rituals Unacceptable – Teo

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- The actions of three presenters from an Astro-owned radio station, who were allegedly mocking religious rituals in a recently viral video, are inappropriate and unacceptable, said Deputy Minister of Communications, Teo Nie Ching.

She emphasised that in a multiracial country like Malaysia, the spirit of mutual respect must be upheld, and any act that offends other religions cannot be tolerated.

"I take this incident involving the radio presenters very seriously. Making fun of any religious practice is highly inappropriate," she said in a Facebook post today.

Following the incident, Teo said that Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has directed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to conduct a thorough investigation and summon the radio station’s management for a full explanation.

"Appropriate action will be taken in accordance with existing rules and laws," she added.

She further reminded that mass media, including radio stations, play a crucial role in maintaining national harmony and should exercise greater caution in content creation.

Earlier, the management of the radio station, Astro Audio, stated that the three DJs involved have been suspended from broadcasting until further notice pending an internal investigation.

Astro Audio also expressed its serious stance on the matter and regret over the incident, which involved DJs Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jasmin and Radin in a video posted on ERA’s social media platforms.

-- BERNAMA