KUALA LUMPUR – Content creator Ka Yao has issued an apology after landing in hot water over his contentious promotional video which mocked ethnic Indians.
Ka Yao, who goes by the moniker Songbill, described his mannerisms and misrepresentation of the bindi for comedy as “very immature, insensitive, and highly offensive”.
“My intention was never to disrespect anyone. I deeply regret it and apologise to everyone,” he said in a statement, which was posted on his Instagram account.
“I’ve always wanted to create content that entertains, but this time, I messed up and it was offensive to a lot of people.
“I will make sure I learn from this and promise to be more mindful in my future videos.”
He also apologised to his “fellow Indian friends” and Malaysians, as well as to Big Pharmacy for causing the debacle.
Ka Yao initially sparked ire after his promotional video skit showed himself drawing a bindi on his forehead, using it to scan items at a Big Pharmacy counter.
Earlier today, former Klang MP Charles Santiago urged Ka Yao and the production team behind the advertisement to issue a public apology as it “reinforces existing misconceptions of ethnic Indians.”
“They want to make people laugh, but the whole point is they want to bring attention to different things by doing all kinds of stuff,” he told Scoop.
Also, Sentosa assemblyman Gunaraj George told Scoop that the advertising agency and authorities should relook at guidelines for advertising material, whether for social media or media advertisements.
Following online outrage, Big Pharmacy said it is implementing internal crisis-management measures after the advertisement’s “hurtful and offensive nature” drew backlash for disparaging the Indian community. – October 27, 2023