KUALA LUMPUR – The government has banned the screening of Mentega Terbang, a local indie film which sparked controversy earlier this year for allegedly touching on Muslim sensitivities.
The ban follows a federal government gazette published by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) on September 1 under the Film Censorship (Prohibition) Order 2023.
The gazette, signed by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on August 21, states that the minister made the order under Section 26 of the Film Censorship Act 2002 (Act 620).
“The minister prohibits the exhibition, display, distribution, possession, circulation or sale of the film described in the Schedule which is contrary to public interest through Malaysia.
“For the purpose of this Order, the film referred to in subparagraph (1) shall include the film-publicity material,” the gazette states.
The document details that the film is directed by Khairi Anwar and produced by Anomalist Production and Meng Kheng Entertainment in Bahasa Malaysia and English.
Originally released in 2021, Mentega Terbang premiered in Indonesia at the Jogja-Netpac Film Festival.
Around March this year, the film garnered criticism and anger from the public as it allegedly featured scenes with elements that contradicted religious beliefs.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar had then advised the public to be more careful in choosing shows for family members to watch, to avoid them being exposed to elements that could affect their Islamic faith.
Teen actress Syumaila Salihin, was later summoned by police for questioning over her role as a character in the film, with Khairi having been questioned by police the previous week.
The police probes followed reports being lodged against the film for supposedly containing scenes disturbing to Muslims, including discussions on Muslims eating pork and comparisons between the teachings on life after death according to different religions.
Police had also investigated death threats against several individuals involved with the film, including Khairi, who had his car splashed with red and black paint while the perpetrators also left handwritten threats on slips of paper.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil had condemned the intimidation received by Khairi and his film colleagues. – September 13, 2023