Cover image via New Straits Times
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued a statement explaining its actions in two recent 3R (race, religion, and royalty) cases
Image via New Straits Times
In a statement today, 12 March, MCMC said it opened an investigation paper on Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd, the operator of Era FM, following complaints about a video allegedly insulting Hinduism, under Section 233 of the Communications & Multimedia Act 1998.
Following the incident, MCMC said the Attorney General's Chambers decided to impose a compound on Maestra Broadcast, and its top management was summoned to provide an explanation.
"After taking into account the content involved was an issue of public interest that created racial and religious conflict, a compound of RM250,000 was imposed on the company.
"For reference, under the amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, the maximum penalty is a RM500,000 fine and imprisonment of up to two years or both," it said.
MCMC said Maestra Broadcast was also advised to ensure strict control over its content, and to provide staff continuous training to prevent legal violations
The agency added that after considering various factors and written submissions by Maestra Broadcast, it also decided not to suspend the company's licence as immediate corrective actions were taken, including a public apology.
Meanwhile, MCMC also addressed public concerns over the disparity in fines between Maestra Broadcast and the case involving comedian Harith Iskander and Facebook user Cecelia Yap
It clarified that Maestra Broadcast was fined RM250,000 under the amended Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, whereas the case involving Harith and Yap occurred before the amendments took effect.
MCMC said it issued a compound of RM10,000 each against Harith and Yap for alleged offensive content and comments about Islam on Facebook on 18 January 2025.
"This action was taken under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, based on provisions before the Act's amendments, which came into effect on 11 February 2025.
"At that time, the maximum penalty was a fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment of up to one year or both," the statement read.
