KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 — Federal police said today they have commenced an investigation into the locally produced Mentega Terbang movie over recent allegations of religious provocation.

Bukit Aman police secretary Datuk Noorsiah Mohd Saaduddin said an investigation paper was opened subsequent to a total of eight police reports lodged so far.

"The case is being investigated by the Classified Crime Investigation Unit (USJT) and any development will be announced in due time,” she said in a brief statement.

According to Noorsiah, the case is being investigated under Section 298A and Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998.

Section 298A covers the offence of causing disharmony, disunity, or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will, or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion while Section 505(b) deals with those who make, publish or circulate any statement, rumour or report with intent to cause fear or alarm to the public.

Separately, Section 233 criminalises online content that is "obscene, indecent, false, menacing or offensive in character with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass another person”.

Released in 2021, the movie explores the similarities and expressions of the major religions in Malaysia.

The story revolves around the journey of 15-year-old Aishah, who becomes curious about faith and the afterlife because of her mother’s declining health.

Following its release on the Viu streaming service last January, the movie was criticised by some members of the public including local singer Caprice as well as by Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra), who lodged a police report against it earlier this week.