Radio station apologises after outrage over ‘mockery’ of Hindu ritual

MIC leader calls out radio station over video

WAN AHMAD ATARMIZI
WAN AHMAD ATARMIZI
04 Mar 2025 11:19am
The video, which was uploaded on social media, showed individuals imitating the sacred Kavadi Dance while chanting "Vel Vel," a revered phrase in Hindu traditions.
The video, which was uploaded on social media, showed individuals imitating the sacred Kavadi Dance while chanting "Vel Vel," a revered phrase in Hindu traditions.

SHAH ALAM - A local radio station has issued a public apology following backlash over a controversial video allegedly mocking Hindu religious practices.

The video, uploaded on social media, showed individuals imitating the sacred Kavadi Dance while chanting "Vel Vel," a revered phrase in Hindu traditions.

In a video statement, the radio station acknowledged its misstep and expressed regret over the offense caused.

“Greetings to all our friends watching. We sincerely apologise for the video recently uploaded on social media, where our actions were perceived as inappropriate and offensive to members of the Indian community.

“We acknowledge our mistake and will take steps to ensure this does not happen again. We are always open to feedback and constructive criticism to help us improve, especially from our loyal listeners.

“Once again, we deeply regret our actions and apologise for any harm caused,” the station said.

The incident drew sharp criticism from MIC Deputy President and Tapah Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, who condemned the video as “brainless” and “disgraceful.”

A local radio station has issued a public apology after facing backlash over a controversial video that mocked Hindu religious practices. Photo: Screenshot from TikTok
A local radio station has issued a public apology after facing backlash over a controversial video that mocked Hindu religious practices. Photo: Screenshot from TikTok

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He stated that this was more than just ignorance—it was a direct insult to the faith and traditions of Hindus in Malaysia.

Calling the display appalling and unacceptable, he stressed that such blatant disrespect has no place in society.

Saravanan also held the station accountable for failing to uphold cultural and religious sensitivity.

“As a media organisation, they should know better than to allow this kind of offensive nonsense. Their staff have proven themselves utterly unfit to work in the media industry if they lack even the most basic understanding of religious and cultural sensitivities.

“This is not humour but an act of mockery that deeply offends the Hindu community. Such an act threatens the nation’s unity. Malaysia is built on the principles of mutual respect and harmony among different races and religions.

“When a major media outlet allows such an insensitive and offensive act, it creates division and damages the very fabric of our multicultural society,” he said in a statement.

Saravanan also called for firm action from the government, urging Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil to intervene.

“I demand that the government take immediate and firm action against the radio station for this outrageous behaviour. At the very least, they must issue a public apology to the Hindu community, and those responsible must face the consequences.

“No religion should ever be ridiculed in this manner, and those who engage in such despicable acts must be held accountable.

“We urge Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil to act against the station, as allowing such a blatant act to go unpunished will set a dangerous precedent for the future of other media outlets,” he added.

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