THE Terengganu government is ready to meet with “Pulau” producer Fred Chong to discuss the state’s ban on the movie being screened in cinemas due to a controversial storyline.

Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the government will allow relevant parties to present arguments or justification of why the ban should be reevaluated.

He said the state government maintains its ban on the film based on the trailer, which it deemed inappropriate for viewing amid religious and cultural norms of an Asian society.

“His argument that the trailer is not a full representation of the movie is beyond our knowledge.

“Let’s wait to see what kind of appeal or justification he (Chong) will give us. We will give him space so as to evaluate the arguments to be presented,” he said after closing the 2023 Terengganu OKU Carnival at Dataran Batu Buruk in Kuala Terengganu today.

Samsuri rejected claims of Terengganu’s backwards mentality in banning the film, saying it is the responsibility of the government to protect the morals of the people.

“We want to keep Terengganu in a state of progress, blessing and prosperity. It is this blessing that we want to guard so the people are protected from immoral behaviour,” he said. – Bernama, February 18, 2023.