KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 — One of the characters in the animation series of Upin and Ipin, ‘Kak Ros’ has been exploited by irresponsible parties, depicting the character with obscene illustrations.

Seven pieces of the character’s caricatures, which were uploaded in a graphic design sharing website, had been digitally redrawn inappropriately. 

Since the pictures were uploaded on July 3 and accessed by 4,000 online visitors, it is feared that these obscene portrayals are inappropriate for children’s viewing.

Commenting on that matter, a 23-year-old mother Alya Nadirah expressed annoyance if the irresponsible parties managed to upload the obscene video or caricature on social websites such as YouTube, which are frequently accessed by children.

"I did not expect and was surprised because children are fond of the Upin and Ipin animation. If this continues, it will inevitably lead to social problems because they (the children) are easily influenced by scenes that are depicted,” she said.

Nawawi Nordin, 34, described the exploitation of Kak Ros’ character as humilating to the village women folks, who are full of modesty. 

"The character of Kak Ros, which is shown in the animated series, indeed features the Asian and Malay customs, like wearing ‘baju kurung’. 

"If the caricatures spread, it will tarnish the image of Malay women featured in the animated series,” said the father of two sons, aged two and four.

Upin and Ipin is a local animated series, currently being showcased even in Indonesia, Turkey, South Korea and Hong Kong. 

The animated series tells a story of a pair of five-year-old twins who live with their sister (Kak Ros), grandmother and their friends in a village. 

Meanwhile Les’ Copaque Production Sdn Bhd New Media and Public Relations head, Mohd Zarin Abdul Karim said the company was not involved in producing any Upin and Ipin caricatures or even video which were contrary to the law. 

"We have nothing to do with the production of the animated series, which has a negative impact on the public, especially children. 

"However, we are monitoring the Internet, especially social networking sites,” he told Bernama, recently.

Bukit Aman Deputy Criminal Investigation Department (Investigations/Legal) deputy director Datuk Law Hong Soon said stern action would be taken on any individuals trying to disseminate pornographic materials.

But the police would first investigate whether the caricatures in the website had negative elements to the society before taking any action, he added. — Bernama