18-rated films may be screened without cuts only if age-based classification is strictly enforced, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said.
She said the approach marks a shift from controlling content through cuts to classifying films by age suitability under the Film Censorship Guidelines (GPPF) 2024, which is now in force.
"It must be stressed that 18-rated films may only be watched by individuals aged 18 and above. At the same time, age classification is not a licence or permission to screen any content without limits.
"The Film Censorship Board (LPF) under the Home Ministry (KDN) will still assess films based on four priority aspects: public safety and order; religion; socio-culture; and decency and morality," she said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today (Nov 3).
She was answering Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad's (PN-Kepala Batas) question on the rationale for no longer censoring films classified 18 and above in the Malaysian film industry, and on the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia's (Finas) direction under the policy change.
Teo said content that violates the censorship guidelines, including material that could undermine social harmony, remains subject to appropriate action.
She said the measures under the Film Censorship Act 2002 (Act 620) and GPPF 2024 were drawn up to balance the need to protect society against respect for the integrity of local works.
Teo said the age classification details are based on three main objectives: enabling adults to make informed choices about the films they watch, educating and protecting children and teenagers from unsuitable content and placing the responsibility for guidance on parents.
Responding to a supplementary question on the rationale for the policy change, Teo cited the case of cuts to the local film Tiger Stripes, directed by Amanda Nell Eu.
She said the film made history by winning a top award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 and was nominated to represent Malaysia at the Academy Awards, but its earlier domestic theatrical release had to be cut.
"It is very odd if a film can represent Malaysia on the international stage, yet Malaysian audiences cannot watch the complete film in our own cinemas.
"I believe the LPF will carry out its responsibility to ensure films screened in Malaysian cinemas do not spark controversy and that social harmony is preserved. But let us also respect the works produced by the local industry," she said.
Meanwhile, Teo also encouraged filmmakers to tap into Finas's National Creative Production Fund (Citra) incentive to nurture local works capable of uniting the people.
She said this in response to RSN Rayer's (PH-Jelutong) supplementary question on initiatives to promote works that emphasise messages of harmony, racial diversity and the spirit of national unity. – Bernama
