“MENTEGA Terbang”, a local movie that has stirred controversy over allegedly blasphemous content, is outside the jurisdiction of the Film Censorship Board (LPF) as it only screened online, the Home Ministry said.

The ministry’s spokesman added said that LPF has no record of the movie in its censorship files.

“LPF is aware of the issues arising from the film titled ‘Mentega Terbang’, which gained attention among the general public in Malaysia after public comments about the film went viral on social media. 

“Upon review, it was found that the film is not within the board’s censorship records. It is also available online, therefore screening or streaming of the film is outside the jurisdiction of LPF,” the spokesman said in a statement. 

“Mentega Terbang” has attracted criticism and anger from certain quarters who accused it of challenging the faith of Muslims. 

It had been screening online on the Viu platform beginning January 19, about a woman named Aisyah who is looking for an answer to what happens to people after they die.

In the movie, the main character then studies several religions to get the answer she is searching for.

The ministry spokesman said LPF was examining all relevant aspects thoroughly before further action can be taken with regard to the film. 

“If members of the public find that the film is being shown via conventional means at any premises, complaints can be channelled to the Film Censorship Board’s office at the Home Ministry,” the spokesperson added. 

Letter of demand

Meanwhile, the directors of “Mentega Terbang” – Khairi Anwar Jailani, Tan Meng Kheng, Arjun Thanaraju, Vishnuvarman Ragunathan and Ti-Teng Hui – have issued a letter of demand to a fellow film-maker over his comments about the movie.

The five want Zabidi Mohamed to issue an apology for the allegedly slanderous comments that were published on Facebook on February 25, March 2 and 3.

They also want Zabidi to delete the Facebook postings, pledge not to republish his comments in any way or form, and pay damages for allegedly tarnishing their reputations.

They have given him 48 hours to respond to the letter of demand, failing which they will initiate legal proceedings.

In the Facebook posts, Zabidi had alleged that the film “blatantly” insulted Islam and was blasphemous towards the religion. He claimed it was aimed at leading Muslims, particularly teenagers, towards apostasy.

Zabidi, meanwhile, confirmed on social media of receiving the letter of demand and said he would address the matter in court.

“In order to uphold the faith of Muslims in Malaysia, I will fight (them in court). If there are any Muslim lawyers who want to join me in preserving the sanctity of Islam, you may contact me,” he said.

A police report has also been lodged over the film.

Following the controversy over the movie, religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar said the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) would meet the film’s production team.

He said Jakim had reviewed the film’s content and found that it went against the Islamic creed. – March 4, 2023.