KUALA LUMPUR: Jocelyn Chia has expressed her disbelief at the response from Malaysian authorities regarding her joke about the missing flight MH370, stating that it has been blown out of proportion.
During an interview with BBC News, Chia who is based in New York, clarified that her intention was not to mock the tragedy or its victims, but rather to find humor within the context of tragedy itself.
The joke, which gained significant traction in a viral video, referenced Malaysian jets' inability to fly, alluding to the Malaysia Airlines flight that disappeared in 2014.
The former lawyer turned comedian emphasized that her joke was "taken out of context when consumed on social media".
"I have performed this routine hundreds of times and even did a shorter version in Singapore. It always cracks the audience up. I wouldn't have used it again if it didn't work," she explained.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani on Tuesday (June 13) announced the Royal Malaysia Police intention to involve Interpol in locating Chia and investigating her for incitement and offensive online content, a move she dismissed as "ridiculous."
However, Interpol clarified that it had not received any request for assistance in the case from Malaysian authorities.
The 90-second viral clip, extracted from her performance at Manhattan's Comedy Cellar on April 7, sparked a strong reaction in Malaysia and was subsequently removed by TikTok due to a violation of their hate speech guidelines.
ALSO READ - Jocelyn Chia's social media accounts disabled, Singaporeans find her jokes not funny
Astro Awani
Thu Jun 15 2023
Jocelyn Chia said her joke had been "taken out of context when consumed on social media". - Instagram/Jocelyn Chia
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.
Trump picks Pam Bondi for US Attorney General after Gaetz withdraws
Bondi was the top law enforcement officer of the country's third most populous state from 2011 to 2019, and served on Trump's Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during his first administration.
Ringgit extends uptrend against greenback in early trade
At 8 am, the local currency climbed to 4.4600/4700 against the greenback.
Lebanon's only burn unit treats toddlers after Israeli strikes
The hospital hallways echo with the screams of children as anxious parents await news from doctors.
AI revolutionising sports to develop world-class athletes
Can a young Orang Asli child from Gua Musang, Kelantan be turned into an Olympic champion in 2036?
Selangor records 1,354 out-of-wedlock teen pregnancies from 2023 to Sept 2024
Anfaal Saari emphasises the seriousness of the issue, especially involving children and teenagers under 18 years old.
ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Elon Musk's Neuralink receives Canadian approval for brain chip trial
The study aims to assess the safety and initial functionality of its implant which enables people with quadriplegia.
Guitar bought by Beatles' teenage Harrison for GBP58 sells for more than GBP1 million
A guitar bought by George Harrison for about GBP58 has sold at auction for more than GBP1 million (US$1.27 million), the PA Media news agenc
Duct-taped banana goes for $6.2 mln in Sotheby's art auction
A piece of art that is little more than a banana duct-taped to a wall sold at auction to cryptocurrency entrepreneur.
Australian teen dies from tainted liquor in Laos; fourth suspected victim
Spurious liquor is a problem in Laos, with the govts of Australia and Britain warning citizens to be cautious when taking drinks there.
Woman found in freezer died from chest injuries - Police
Preliminary post-mortem report reveals that the victim died from chest injuries caused by blunt trauma.
Malaysia, Vietnam to further cooperate in multiple sectors - PM
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the collaboration will also leverage the ASEAN Energy Grid to foster regional growth.
Australia launches 'landmark' bill to ban social media for children under 16
Australia plans to trial an age-verification system that may include biometrics or govt identification to enforce social media age cut-off.
Court orders PDRM to complete investigations into Beng Hock's death within six months
Judge says the claims and reliefs sought by the applicants are within the domain of public law both in pith and substance.
Zii Jia secures spot in BWF World Tour Finals
This will be Lee Zii Jia's third appearance at the season-ending tournament, following the 2020 and 2021 editions.
PM: Media freedom recognition needs improvement but 3Rs limit action
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says this stems from a request by the Malay rulers for the government to take a stricter stance on these matters.
Malaysian man to be publicly caned at mosque for Islamic crime of close proximity
This punishment involves caning, but what makes it unusual this time is the judge's decision for it to be conducted publicly.