Sensitivity Controversy: MCMC Explains Disparity In Fines
An amendment made to the Communications and Multimedia Act between the time the two cases occured forms the reason behind the difference in fines.
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A Malaysian standup comedian and another individual were recently fined RM10,000 each for making insensitive jokes about Islam.
Meanwhile, a local radio station was fined RM250,000 due to three of its resident DJs who were accused of mocking a Hindu religious dance.
Next thing we know, people are up in arms about the seemingly unfair differences in penalties. Some went as far as accusing the authorities of valuing religions differently.
Hina Islam bayar 10k, hina hindu bayar 250k.
— ketukketukramadan (@X_XMulia) March 11, 2025
Betapa rendahnya nilai Islam pada si penguasa. Semoga terlaknatlah mereka terutama fahmi fadzil https://t.co/wCo7GDFETO
But, this is actually not the case at all because of a law amendment that was made in between the time the two cases happened.
READ MORE: Era FM Controversy Started Out As Paqueta Dance Parody But Got Out Of Hand
MCMC explains the difference in fines
As reported by Malay Mail on 12 March, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) released a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document which explained its decision in the two cases involving 3R (racial, religious, and royalty) issues.
In the document, MCMC said Era FM operator Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd was fined RM250,000 based on a recent amendment to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988 (Act 588).
As for the individuals, who were each fined RM10,000 for allegedly making insensitive jokes about Islam on social media, the cases came before the amendment.
It’s a pretty simple explanation.
READ MORE: Era FM Operator Fined RM250k, Licence Remains
Act 588: Pre and post amendment
Before Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988 was amended, the maximum penalty for the issues mentioned above was RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year or both, according to MCMC.
However, after the amendment, the maximum penalty was raised to RM500,000 or prison time of up to two years, or both.
READ MORE: Cecelia Yap Apologises For Her ‘Ham’ Comment On Harith Iskander’s Facebook
1) Bukan Era FM, tapi Maestra Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd iaitu pemegang lesen MCMC yang dikompaun
— Fahmi Fadzil 🇲🇾 (@fahmi_fadzil) March 11, 2025
2) MBNS bukan individu tapi sebuah anak syarikat milik Astro yang punyai keuntungan substantif
3) Kompaun RM250k MBNS diberi izin TPR antara lain berpandukan perkara2 di… https://t.co/lGGv0YLfUo
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