KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — Films rated 18 (for viewers aged 18 and above) may be screened uncensored only if the age restriction is enforced, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said.
She said this marks a shift from controlling content via censoring to classifying films by age suitability under the Film Censorship Guidelines (GPPF) 2024, which is now in force.
“It must be stressed that films rated 18 may only be watched by individuals aged 18 and above. The age classification is not 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, socioculture, and decency and morality,” she said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
She was answering Siti Mastura Muhammad’s (PN-Kepala Batas) question about why films rated 18 are no longer being censored in Malaysia, and about the National Film Development Corporation’s (FINAS) direction under the policy change.
Teo said content that violates censorship guidelines, including material that could undermine social harmony, remains subject to action, adding that the Film Censorship Act 2002 and GPPF 2024 were drawn up to balance the need to protect society against respect for the integrity of local works.
Teo said age categories are based on three objectives: allowing adults to make informed choices about the films they watch, educating and protecting children from unsuitable content, and putting the responsibility for guidance on parents.
Responding to a supplementary question on the rationale for the policy change, Teo cited the censoring of local film Tiger Stripes, directed by Amanda Nell Eu. She said the film made history by winning a top award at 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 added.
Meanwhile, Teo said filmmakers may tap into FINAS’ National Creative Production Fund (CITRA) to nurture local works capable of uniting the people, in response to RSN Rayer’s (Harapan-Jelutong) supplementary question on initiatives to promote works that emphasise messages of harmony, racial diversity and the spirit of national unity.
