KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 24 -- A video that appeared to mock a sacred Hindu ritual thrust three of Malaysia's most recognisable radio personalities into the centre of a national reckoning this year, setting the tone for a series of viral moments that followed - some damaging, others unexpectedly positive.

In March, a video of 3 Pagi Era presenters - Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jazmin John Louis Jeffri and Radin Amir Affendy - showed them mimicking movements associated with the Thaipusam 'kavadi' ritual during an on-air segment, with chants of "Vel, Vel!" audible in the background.

The clip spread rapidly online, prompting outrage from the Hindu community and leading to multiple police reports.

Investigations were launched under the Penal Code and the ...