Malaysia’s Hitz FM has issued a short apology for a video sketch which was slammed on social media for promoting negative perception against the transgender community in the country.

The popular Astro Radio station has since removed the video, which was uploaded on Wednesday as part of its #hitzSketch series.

In the sketch, the station’s morning presenters Arnold Loh and RD (Ryan De Alwis) are shown vomiting when someone they presumed to be an attractive long-haired lady turns out to be transgendered.  

The sketch was captioned “When a pretty girl turns out to be a guy. Have you ever been so startled you feel like throwing up?”

Transgender activist Nisha Ayub, who is also known for being the first transgender woman to win the US Women of Courage award, was among those who condemned the said video.

She said that she’s sad to see that the transgender community in Malaysia which already faces much discrimination, potential violence and hate crimes, now having the media jumping on the bandwagon to perpetuate such messages.

She elaborated her thoughts in a Facebook post.

“We at Hitz would like to apologise for the said video, and have since removed it,” a spokesperson from Hitz FM said.