THREE ERA RADIO PRESENTERS TAKEN OFF AIR UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE - ASTRO AUDIO

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- Three radio presenters at an Astro-owned station have been taken off air until further notice pending the company's internal investigation into an incident that appeared to mock a religious ceremony.

Astro Audio in a statement today said it was taking the matter seriously and expressed regret over a video recording incident involving presenters, Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jasmin, and Radin, which was shared on the ERA social media platform.

"We are working closely with the authorities to ensure full compliance with all guidelines and requirements," the statement said.

Astro Audio said it was committed to the trust of listeners and ensuring a respectful and inclusive media environment.

The statement also said the broadcasting company was taking steps to strengthen its content review process to ensure that programmes produced reflect the values ​​and expectations of its audience.

Today, the actions of radio presenters at an Astro-owned station who were seen making fun of a religious ceremony went viral on social media.

The three radio presenters later came forward to apologise for their actions which were deemed to have offended racial sensitivities in the country.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had been ordered to conduct a detailed investigation into the actions of staff at an Astro-owned radio station, who were seen making fun of a religious ceremony and were uploaded on social media platforms this morning.

According to him, this included summoning Astro and the management of the radio station to appear at the MCMC headquarters to provide a full explanation.

“This is to ensure that action can be taken based on existing regulations and laws,” he said in a statement today.

-- BERNAMA