KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 — The age classification for films rated 18 is not a licence to screen content without restrictions, as such films remain subject to the screening guidelines in force.
The Communications Ministry stressed that the Film Censorship Board (LPF) under the Home Ministry would continue to assess film content based on aspects of public safety and order, religion, sociocultural matters, as well as decency and morality.
"Content that violates the screening guidelines, including material that could undermine social harmony, remains subject to appropriate action,” the ministry said in a written reply published on the Parliament website.
The reply was in response to a question from Datuk Ahmad Saad (PN-Pokok Sena), who asked for the ministry’s position on the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia’s (FINAS) move to stop cutting scenes from films rated PG18 in the name of openness.
The ministry said allowing 18-rated films to be screened without the removal of certain scenes represented a shift from controlling content through scene cuts to regulating access through age-based classification, rather than a relaxation of content restrictions.
It said that under this approach, films meeting the requirements could be screened without certain scenes being cut, but would be subject to strict age classification.
"The 2024 Film Censorship Guidelines detail classification categories based on viewers’ age suitability, which, among other things, enable adults to make informed choices about the films they wish to watch.
"They are also intended to educate and protect teenagers and children from exposure to content that is inappropriate for their age and could affect their behaviour, while placing responsibility on parents to monitor and guide their children in choosing suitable content,” the ministry said.
It added that FINAS and LPF would continue to work with industry players to review the film classification system to ensure it remained relevant to industry developments and the current content landscape.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Media Council (MMM), established following the enforcement of the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 (Act 868), plays a role in strengthening public media literacy in addressing the spread of false information, hate speech and the challenges posed by digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
The Communications Ministry said the council is also responsible for promoting the production of authentic, accurate and ethical media reports and content, strengthening compliance with journalistic codes of ethics, and providing transparent and effective public complaints mechanisms.
"To support the establishment and operation of the MMM, the government has provided legal support through the creation of a dedicated legal framework, as well as initial assistance for infrastructure development and administrative matters.
"Cooperation with relevant agencies also supports capacity-building and the professional development of media practitioners, including through training and the promotion of journalistic ethics,” it said in response to a question from Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) on the implementation status of Act 868 and the MMM, including its functions and responsibilities and the forms of government support provided. — Bernama