THE Home Ministry has banned the film “Mentega Terbang” after the publication of a government gazette earlier this month.

The ban came nearly six months after complaints were made about it to the authorities, which its critics claimed touched on Muslim sensitivities.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail issued the ban via an August 21 order he signed.

The film, including its publicity materials, cannot be screened, exhibited, distributed, sold or owned, on the grounds of public interest.

Saifuddin issued the ban under section 26 of the Film Censorship Act 2002, which was gazetted on the Federal Legislation website on September 1.

“Mentega Terbang”, directed by Khairi Anwar, explored the similarities and expressions of the major religions in Malaysia.

It told the journey of 15-year-old Aishah, who became curious about faith and the afterlife because of her mother’s declining health.

The film was shown in several locations including at Universiti Malaya during a closed screening from April 2021.

In November 2021, the film was selected and screened at the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival in Indonesia.

“Mentega Terbang” began attracting public attention after it was aired on the Viu streaming platform on January 19.

Viu withdrew the film on February 27.

The Malaysian National Film Development Corporation in a statement informed the producers of the film – Anomalist Production and Meng Kheng Entertainment – they did not apply for a Filming Certificate and did not have a film production licence.

Former religious affairs minister Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, after watching the film, said “Mentega Terbang” could distort people’s beliefs. – September 13, 2023.