KUALA LUMPUR – National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) chief executive Md Nasir Ibrahim has acknowledged that an investigation is ongoing into the production of the contentious movie Mentega Terbang.
However, the investigation will not be focused on content as Finas’ purview only extends to movies aired in cinemas.
He said in a statement that the probe is being done according to the Finas Act 1981, especially relating to film production regulations.
“Several allegations and police reports have been made, claiming that the movie’s content is seditious and insulting to Islam.
“Finas will not compromise if it is found that the producers have violated the rules. We will take the appropriate action.”
Nasir also advised filmmakers to ensure that their work is in line with the country’s laws as well as taking into account local sensitivities.
Yesterday, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the ministry had left it to Finas and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to take action over the film.
He said Finas was now investigating the film for possible breach of regulations in its production.
Earlier, it was reported that streaming platform Viu had taken down the movie on February 27 after it became the first independent film to be shown on the platform on January 19.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said Viu was contacted over the movie, despite the agency not having the authority to censor movies and TV shows on online platforms.
The Film Censorship Board had also stated that the movie’s screening lies outside the body’s purview, as it is only available for viewing online via the Internet.
Over the weekend, seven non-governmental organisations (NGOs) lodged a police report against local indie movie Mentega Terbang for allegedly containing scenes disturbing to Muslims here.
Gerakan Pembela Ummah chairman Mohd Zai Mustafa said the report was filed to urge Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar and communications minister Fahmi to take firm action against the film’s producer.
Directed by Khairi Anwar and produced by Meng Kheng Entertainment, the movie tells the story of a girl named Aisyah who, in her quest to discover what happens to people after they die, studies several religions such as Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism.
Earlier, the film was screened at the Jogja-Netpac Indonesia Film Festival in 2021 as well as the Aceh Film Festival last year.
Previously, Na’im had claimed that based on checks conducted by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department, the film’s content goes against Islamic theology and way of life, specifically from the Syafie school of thought in Malaysia.
He added that the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department has been asked to call the parties involved in the production of the film for follow-up procedures. – The Vibes, March 6, 2023
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