18-rating does not exempt films from censorship rules, says ministry

THE age classification for films rated 18 may be screened without certain cuts, but they must still comply with Malaysia’s censorship guidelines, the Communications Ministry says.

In a written parliamentary reply, the ministry said the Film Censorship Board (LPF), under the Home Ministry, would continue to assess films based on public safety and order, religious considerations, sociocultural sensitivities, and standards of propriety and decency.

“Content that violates censorship guidelines, including material that could affect social harmony, remains subject to appropriate action,” it said.

The ministry was responding to Datuk Ahmad Saad (PN-Pokok Sena), who asked about the government’s position on the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia’s (FINAS) move to stop cutting scenes from 18-rated films in the name of greater openness.

It said the move marked a change in the way films were regulated, shifting the emphasis from cutting scenes to classifying films according to the age of their intended audience.

“This does not mean content controls have been relaxed,” the ministry said, adding that films could be screened without certain cuts only if they met the relevant requirements and carried the appropriate age classification.

The 2024 Film Censorship Guidelines set out classifications based on age suitability, allowing adults to make informed choices about what they watch while protecting children and teenagers from content deemed unsuitable for their age.

The guidelines also emphasise the role of parents in monitoring what their children watch and guiding them towards appropriate content, the ministry said.

FINAS and the LPF will continue working with industry players to review the classification system to ensure it keeps pace with developments in the film industry and changes in the wider content landscape.

Media Council to strengthen ethical reporting

In a separate response, the ministry outlined the responsibilities of the Malaysian Media Council (MMM), established following the enforcement of the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 (Act 868).

The council is tasked with improving public media literacy amid the spread of misinformation, hate speech and challenges posed by digital technology and artificial intelligence.

Its role also includes promoting accurate and ethical reporting, strengthening adherence to journalistic codes of ethics, and providing a transparent and effective channel for public complaints.

The ministry was responding to Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi), who asked about the implementation of Act 868, the council’s functions and responsibilities, and the support provided by the government.

It said the government had established a dedicated legal framework for the council and provided initial support for infrastructure and administrative operations.

Cooperation with relevant agencies would also help strengthen the capacity and professionalism of media practitioners through training and efforts to uphold journalistic ethics, the ministry added. – October 23, 2026