Communications and Multimedia Minister Annuar Musa has warned television stations and drama enthusiasts to adhere to the local broadcasting guidelines.
Commenting on the viral video clip of a sexually suggestive scene from an unreleased drama “Perempuan Itu”, he said the industry players should have been aware that Malaysia’s official religion is Islam.
“We are not Hollywood, and we are not Europe. We are (a country) of the east.
“There is no need for the ministry to remind (the industry) of that, I would assume that if they breach (the guidelines) it is their own negligence,” Annuar (above) said at a press conference in Kota Bharu today.
The minister added that he would look into the matter once more information is gathered.
He said this when asked about a leaked teaser video that spread like wildfire on social media yesterday, that was initially shared by actor Zul Ariffin.
The 23-second video is no longer available on the actor’s Instagram but has been shared by others on social media.
In the clip, Zul is pushed against a wall by Siti Hariesa before he takes off his shirt and is seen embracing her.
That scene is interspersed with another scene where Siti Hariesa – dressed in a maid outfit – feeds whipped cream to Zul before he lifts her up and embraces her.
The government previously reduced censorship restrictions for drama content on television networks, allowing them to make their own regulations.
However, Annuar said, he had warned that if a television network is found negligent in maintaining guidelines, especially on the issues of religion and local customs, he would withdraw it.
“We provided these facilities on the belief that all television networks will work with drama producers, but they must adhere to the set guidelines,” he added.
Scenes of a non-Malay and non-Muslim nature may offend Malay-Muslims, he said, adding that the boundaries needed to be understood.
“I would like to give a stern warning to all television stations that have been licenced by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commissions (MCMC).
“If they continue to violate the set guidelines, I will not hesitate to take action,” the minister said.
Scene not approved by TV3
“Perempuan Itu” starring Zul, Mimi Lana and Siti Hariesa is set to be shown in April during the fasting month of Ramadan on TV3.
However, Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Bhd, which runs TV3, revealed that the controversial clip had never gotten approval from the station.
In a statement yesterday, it said that the scene was not appropriate, even for promotional purposes.
“In fact, the scene was not discussed or had even been approved by the station,” it added.
Yesterday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Idris Ahmad chastised the clip claiming it had overstepped the line.
Idris explained that entertainment is not prohibited in Islam but there must be strict discipline, especially when it involves overly sexual scenes which are clearly inviting immorality.
Malay-daily mStar quoted the drama's director, Ain Sharif, as saying that the leaked scene was part of the second recording which may not be shown on television.
She added that she was only carrying out her responsibility in the role to convey the drama's message and storyline which was based on real-life incidents.
Apart from Ain, the 30-episode drama is also directed by Isma Yusof. - Mkini
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