PPIM urges action against all linked with 'Mentega Terbang' film

The Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) has urged the authorities to take strict action against the producer, actors and everyone involved in the production of the independent film titled “Mentega Terbang”.

Its president Nadzim Johan said clips of the film, which went viral on social media recently, have clearly "challenged" the Muslims in the country, and roused their anger.

"The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) should stop 'hiding behind' the pretext of having no power to act, as the dignity of the Muslims is being trampled in this country. This is an extreme act (of provocation).

"The making and distribution of this film is a provocation of Muslims in the country. Don't let us take law into our own hands before the authorities take action," said Nadzim in a statement today.

He added that Jakim should work with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), as well as the Home Ministry, to act on the matter.

According to him further, Muslim non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will lodge police reports on the matter and offer a bounty to round up those involved.

Nadzim claimed that the film was aimed at "confusing" Muslims, especially the youth, as it contained scenes that allegedly belittled Islam and triggered the anger of the Muslims.

"Has the film's director and producer run out of ideas that they had to make a film that challenges Islam in this country?

"Law and Institutional Reform Minister Azalina Othman Said should consider taking strict against those who insult other religions, especially Islam, including revoking their citizenship if they have issues with the official religion of the country!"

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said checks conducted by Jakim on “Mentega Terbang”, which was released on a video streaming platform, found that the film went against the creed and way of life of Muslims from the Syafie school of thought in Malaysia.

The movie helmed by Khairi Anwar, tells the story of 15-year-old teenager Aishah, who in the face of her mother's death, gets drawn into exploring the concept of rebirth as contained in other religions.

Her father is also shown as a liberal character who has no issues with his daughter studying the holy scriptures of other religions in search of an answer.

Besides, there is reportedly a controversial scene depicting the consumption of pork, which is prohibited in Islam.

Meanwhile, Dang Wangi police chief ACP Noor Delhan Yahaya told Malaysiakini that the issue concerning the film has been referred to the MCMC for further action.

This after the political party Putra lodged a police report against the film's production team. - Mkini