Jakim panel to review storylines of ‘Madu’ and ‘Cela’ drama series

The drama series “Madu atau Racun” and “Cela” will be reviewed by a panel of the Islamic development department (Jakim) based on their overall storylines and content context, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) said today.

Discussions will be held with the film and television industry on procedures and guidelines for content production. Finas would also introduce additional conditions for the film authentication certificate to ensure every production complies with the guidelines and does not cause harm to society.

“This measure is not intended to restrict creative freedom, but to ensure creativity develops responsibly while taking into account religious sensitivities, cultural values, the interests of society and the country’s legal framework,” read the statement.

The screening of the Madu atau Racun series came under criticism from the religious affairs minister Zulkifli Hasan on Sept 2, causing streaming platform iQIYI to temporarily remove the six episodes already aired and postponing the remaining six episodes to be edited and reassessed.