[UPDATED] ‘Pulau meant to be horror flick, not porn’

KUALA LUMPUR – Local film Pulau is not pornographic and is meant to be a horror movie, the Film Censorship Board has affirmed.

The Home Ministry, in announcing the board’s decision, said that the movie’s controversial trailer which had drawn brickbats from religious figures and certain social media users over its supposedly “lewd” content, also did not accurately depict the movie in its entirety.

“Pulau is a horror movie, and not a pornographic film as hyped up by some. 

“The Film Censorship Board has also found that there are differences between the content in the movie trailer that was shared on social media and that of the film that was sent to the censors,” the ministry said in a statement today.

Among those who objected to the trailer’s content were Malaysia Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid, who urged the board to reconsider its green light for the film’s premiere.

Another who objected was former deputy religious affairs minister Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary.

Both said the trailer had obscene scenes unsuitable for public viewing, and violated Malaysia’s Rukun Negara (tenets) on courtesy and morality.

The trailer does show bikini-clad actresses and a couple about to kiss.

The flick, produced by My Way Pictures in collaboration with Film Force Studios, is set to hit the big screens on March 9.

It features a cast with several notable local personalities, including renowned actor Namron, beauty pageant titleholder Sanjna Suri, model and actress Amelia Henderson, and Malaysian Penthouse cover girl and online pornography star Siew Pui Yi. 

On social media, those who defended the trailer and film said those who feel uncomfortable have the choice of not viewing either, while others said that further censorship will not help Malaysian-made movies and the local arts to grow. – The Vibes, January 19, 2023