PETALING JAYA: Communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil is of the opinion that the trailer for local horror film “Pulau” is not suitable for viewing.
He said, however, that he could not speak for the Film Censorship Board (LPF), which comes under the purview of the home ministry.
“I can’t speak on behalf of LPF and I also understand that Finas (National Film Development Corporation Malaysia) had issued a statement today, but it wasn’t on the aspect of censorship. Whatever procedures monitored by Finas are based on the standard operating procedure (SOP) between LPF and Finas.
“In my opinion, we may have to review several SOPs because it is clear that there has been one infringement here and I have been made to understand that the LPF approval was given last September, before I became the minister, before this current government,” he told those present at the exclusive screening of the movie Duan Nago Bogho, here, tonight.
He said this when asked to comment whether LPF or Finas would reconsider allowing the movie to be screened in cinemas.
Fahmi said that based on the movie’s trailer, which had gone viral, he contacted Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) and it was understood that the producer had agreed to withdraw the trailer and prepare a new edit.
Fahmi said he was also made to understand that there was a possibility some of the scenes that had been cut somehow made it to the trailer.
“I have asked Finas to study this matter, re-examine and restructure its SOP. We do not want this to happen again… the approval was given without a more specific scrutiny, I feel there needs to be scrutiny,” he said.
Yesterday, it was reported that Finas was not responsible for approving the screening of the horror film which sparked controversy because it allegedly contained steamy scenes.
Finas chief executive officer Nasir Ibrahim was reported to have said that the publication content guidelines were under the jurisdiction of LPF.
“Pulau”, which is scheduled to be screened on March 9, had been criticised by various parties following the release of the trailer. They also urged LPF to review the approval given for the screening of the movie.
