KUALA LUMPUR – The introduction of the new Film Classification 2023 by the Home Ministry through the Film Censorship Board allows local creative industry players to produce creative works more suited to the current time and technology.
Actor, director and producer Aziz M. Osman said the changes made were in line with the changing times but managed to retain similar concepts of community sensibilities, especially to protect the underaged from unhealthy elements.
“The new classifications, such as P12, 13 and 16, shield children and those under 18 from being exposed to films with unsuitable content for their age.
“It is not only for creators, but also for the community, especially parents to help them ensure that youths are not exposed to things that could taint their thinking and behaviour,” he said after attending a recent briefing by the censorship board, along with over 100 local creative industry players, about the new classification that took effect on February 1.
On February 1, the Home Ministry, through the censorship board, set five categories under the new classification system – U for viewers of all ages, P12 for viewers of all ages with parental guidance needed for those under 12, 13 for viewers 13 years and above, 16 for viewers aged 16 and above, and 18 for viewers aged 18 and above.
Aziz, who owns Ace Motion Pictures Sdn Bhd, is optimistic about the new classification, saying that it allows creators to be more creative.
“Usually, those who are in the industry can be too complacent – if there’s a love scene, you need to hold hands or hug each other. But with certain limitations, we need to find alternatives, which can be more original and better,” he said, citing the film industry in Iran, which is tightly regulated but gets global attention and wins various international awards.
Famous director cum producer Datuk Yusof Haslam concurred, saying that one of the main principles behind the move is to raise awareness, especially among parents, to ensure that youths are not easily exposed to negative elements.
“The addition of the 16 classification actually does help many film producers and it is a good step for the betterment of all,” he said.
The Skop Productions Sdn Bhd owner also believes that the censorship board has become more receptive towards local creative industry players’ views.
“They still have quite a bit of consideration, and if there are any problems, we can still have a chance to meet and discuss matters. It’s a good move in trying to understand what’s going on in the industry today, especially with the wide open digital global world,” Yusof said.
Meanwhile, Film Censorship Board chairman Datuk Mohd Dusuki Ya’acob said a study on film classification was carried out since 2019, after getting input from local industry players and referring to the global film industry.
“There are countries that conducted studies on film classifications. On that basis, we conducted this new classification to be in line with the changes in time and technology so as not to be left behind.
“We carried out a few engagement sessions with the local creative industry players and that’s why not many questions were raised during the briefing as they were quite clear about the classification,” he said.
Dusuki said the board is open to meeting and discussing with local industry players if there are any issues.
“We are ready to talk if anyone wants to. For foreign films entering the country, classification is done based on the final product sent, while local players have more relaxed terms. We invite them to meet us with their final product and then discuss about classification,” he said. – Bernama, February 18, 2023
