APSN | Malaysia Ramadan TV ads axed amid racism complaint

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Malaysia Ramadan TV ads axed amid racism complaint

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Kuala Lumpur – A Malaysian television station has axed a series of commercials to mark the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan after angry viewers complained the ads insulted non-Muslim ethnic minorities.

The commercials began airing recently to remind viewers of Ramadan, which began Aug. 1. Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until sundown during the month.

The three 30-second clips depicted an ethnic Chinese girl eating in public, wearing revealing clothing and being loud. It ended with messages urging viewers to avoid doing such things in respect of the Muslim holy month.

The ads sparked outrage in the Muslim-majority country, with many slamming private station 8TV on its Facebook page. The TV station withdrew the ads and apologized late Tuesday.