New censorship guidelines that come into effect from March 15 will allow local movie-makers more flexibility.
“For the first time, scripts can be submitted to the Film Censorship Board before shooting, to be screened for offensive content so that changes can be made accordingly,” said home ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mahmood Adam.
He added that the board would also be open to discussion with movie-makers at any stage of the production process.
The new guidelines, the first in 17 years, have been thoroughly discussed and agreed to by all industry players, Mahmood said after chairing the Film Censorship Guidelines meeting here Monday.
Certain words on which there was a blanket ban will now be permitted, depending on context and if used in a non-offensive manner, he added.
He said some of the items added to the guidelines had actually come from industry players, while others were made to take into account current trends and lifestyles that might conflict with the norms in Malaysia.
“There are certain changes some representatives have asked for in the draft guidelines but these are mainly on the terms used and the spelling, so it will not be difficult to iron all of them out by the end of the week,” he said.
Mahmood said he was also happy that the changes were well received by representatives from the industry.
Meanwhile, local movie producer and director Datuk Yusof Haslam said the new guidelines would allow more films to get approval for general viewing, rather than being given the PG-13, 18SG, 18SX, 18PA and 18PL ratings.
“When films are categorised for viewing only by those aged above 13 or 18, we end up having a smaller audience.
“This means less revenue and as producers or directors, we would like to avoid this.
“I am also happy there is a chance now for us to submit our scripts to the board so that any parts considered offensive can be changed before shooting begins,” he said.
Another producer and director David Teo said the guidelines were good because they were clearly laid out, allowing producers and directors to prepare their scripts accordingly.
“It is a good system that allows us to remove any parts rather than having the parts removed at the censorship stage,” he said.
Current movie ratings
> U – General viewing for all ages.
> PG-13 – Parental guidance suggested for children under 13.
> 18SG/SX/PA/PL – Accompanying adult required for those under 18. These are for movies with elements of violence, gore or horror/terror; sexual content and dialogue, and nudity; religious, social or political elements; and with all elements mentioned earlier.
