KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 — Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) will meet up with the production team of local indie film Mentega Terbang, following complaints from the public.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar in a statement, said that Jakim has reviewed the content of the film and found the film goes against the Islamic creed.
The film was also deemed as going against the Syafie school of thought adopted by Muslims in Malaysia.
Jakim have been requested to provide their detailed assessment to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for further action to be taken based on existing laws.
Na’im also said that their department will not tolerate nor compromise with any production content that may tarnish the sanctity of Islam, especially those that invite controversy which could disrupt the harmony of the Malaysian community.
“I would also like to advise local creatives to be more cautious in producing and distributing content to the public so that the government’s goals for Malaysia MADANI can be achieved.
“The public are also advised to be more cautious in choosing TV programmes to watch with their family, be it on an online platform or from any other channels so that they won’t be exposed to elements that could disrupt their creed,” he said.
Mentega Terbang is currently free to watch on streaming platform, Viu.
The film, which touches on the differences and similarities of the major religions in Malaysia, follows 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 Viu last January, the film has been criticised by some members of the public including local singer Caprice as well as by the Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra), who have lodged a police report on the film earlier this week.
