Censors: Undergarments too hot for home shopping shows

 

The Film Censorship Board has instructed two broadcasters to stop displaying male and female innerwear in their respective home shopping shows.

The censorship board said displaying the innerwear - even when it was not worn by a live model - is indecent and offensive, and therefore goes against its guidelines and code of conduct.

The items on sale on both platforms included men’s briefs, women’s panties and bras, and body shapers.

"The (Home) Ministry is of the view that although the advertisements do not show undergarments worn live by a model and do not involve any indecent visual displays, advertising ‘undergarments’ will still offend the community, especially those related to race, religion, gender, and age," reported The Malay Mail today.

"Furthermore, the requirement to preserve manners, decency, and the sensitivities of a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society in Malaysia is of utmost importance,” said the censorship board, also known as Lembaga Penapis Filem (LPF), in a notice to a broadcaster dated Sept 3.

“Therefore, this ministry is of the view that the aforementioned content advertising innerwear is inappropriate to be shown for general viewing... and all broadcasts similar like this should be discontinued immediately,” it added.

This is despite the male and female undergarments displayed in the home shopping shows were displayed on racks or mannequins, rather than on any live model.

In a letter to another broadcaster dated Aug 24, the censorship board rejected an appeal filed by the company.

“Taking into account the interests of all parties in considering this appeal, LPF still sticks by the Film Censorship Guidelines 2010 (GPPF 2010) Article 1 of Section III (regarding) film advertisements, which states that film advertisements or any form of the message presented which promotes a branded organisation, product, or service must be ethical,” it said.

LPF said the display of innerwear is offensive and it is important to take care of the sensitivities of a multi-religious and multi-cultural audience.

‘Preserving basic manners’

When contacted by the news portal, LPF stressed the need for aired content to maintain good manners and decency while balancing the sensitivities of a diverse society.

“Besides that, seeing as how such shows are broadcasted through television as the medium which can be watched live by the entire household including children, content such as this must also pass specific guidelines for locally produced films meant for TV stations, which is applicable under the LPF.

“[This is] because considerations on sensitive aspects are emphasised to fulfill the need in preserving basic manners, decency, and sensitivities for the multiracial and multi-religious society in Malaysia,” LPF said.

“Both television stations involved are aware of all the conditions that have to be adhered to under the Film Censorship Act 2002 Exemption Order issued by the Home Ministry,” it said.

The two broadcasters have complied with these directives and have removed the affected segments, said LPF.

“But, if this content is shown on other online platforms, it is no longer subjected to the Film Censorship Act 2002,” LPF added.

Both companies, which were not named, were contacted by the news portal and have yet to comment on the issue. - Mkini