"It Was Unprofessional... I Messed Up"— Haniff Breaks Silence On Fly FM Walkout
Haniff has decided to return to Fly FM and face the consequences of his actions.
By Laila Zain — 28 Jan 2025, 12:42 PM
On 17 January, Fly FM breakfast show listeners were left stunned when DJ Haniff Hamzah walked out mid-show following a heated discussion about body image
The incident, which unfolded live on air, sparked widespread debate about self-improvement, workplace dynamics, and the pressures of public scrutiny.
The walkout occurred during a segment where co-hosts Haniff and Ean addressed ongoing public comments about their appearances, with some questioning if the duo were "past their prime."
The discussion escalated when the pair underwent a professional body scan that classified both DJs as obese. While Ean embraced the findings as motivation to adopt a healthier lifestyle, Haniff struggled to accept the feedback, leading to tensions between the two.
The situation came to a head when Haniff learned that Ean had involved his manager in the matter.
"I don't understand why you have to talk to my manager about my looks — she's my manager!" Haniff exclaimed on air before leaving the studio abruptly, despite Ean's attempts to apologise.
Following the incident, Haniff shared cryptic Instagram stories, including the phrases "How much is too much?" and "I think it's too much," hinting at his frustration.
He would go on to miss a week of work, leave WhatsApp groups, and even unfollow Fly FM's official social media accounts.
In an exclusive interview with SAYS, today, 28 January, Haniff opened up about the walkout, attributing it to a build-up of personal and professional pressures
He explained that transitioning from a Malay-language station to an English one had been more challenging than anticipated.
"I thought I needed a challenge, but it was just so much," he admitted. "The delivery, the hours — it all compounded. It was like shaking a bottle of cola and then uncapping it."
He added that what happened in the studio tipped him over the edge, making it seem like his argument with Ean was the only cause. "I was unhappy with the things he [Ean] said, but it wasn't like that."
While acknowledging his actions as unprofessional, Haniff expressed regret for the impact on his team and family.
"I've always been known as disciplined. But this time, I let my emotions take over," he said, adding that he has since had to explain the incident to his children, who saw the public reaction online.
Despite the fallout, Haniff has decided to return to Fly FM and face the consequences of his actions
"I'm not going to run away. I messed up, and I'll take whatever consequences come my way," he told SAYS. The incident has also inspired him to focus on personal growth. "I want to make a change, not just for myself but for my listeners. I owe it to them."
"You can say that I needed a mental health break, but still, I messed up," Haniff added.
The popular announcer's return comes with a renewed commitment to open communication and emotional wellbeing.
"The biggest lesson I've learned is to talk about your problems. Don't let feelings get bottled up," he shared. "It's 2025 — men don't have to be tough all the time. What I felt was real, and I was wrong to storm out. But I'm learning."
As for his relationship with Ean, Haniff emphasised their strong bond and expressed a desire to move forward together.
"Let this be a lesson in not making rash decisions based on your emotions. Speak to someone, share your feelings, and don't let things build up," Haniff shared.
The incident has sparked conversations about body image, mental health, and resilience, with Haniff's journey serving as a reminder that even in the face of public scrutiny, it's never too late to learn and grow.
