KUALA LUMPUR: The producer and director of the controversial indie film "Mentega Terbang" will be charged on Wednesday for allegedly offending religious beliefs.
Producer Tan Meng Kheng received a summons today under Section 298 of the Penal Code, scheduling his appearance at the Kuala Lumpur Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.
Freedom Film Network's founder, Anna Har, said the director of the film, Khairi Anwar Jailani, was also served with a similar summons today.
Previously, Tan and Khairi initiated legal action against the government by filing an application with the High Court to challenge the film's ban.
"Mentega Terbang," which was available for free viewing on digital streaming platforms, has faced objections from some Muslims in the country who allege that it contains elements of religious pluralism affecting their faith.
The film stars Syumaila Salihin, Firdaus Karim, Nik Waheeda, Arjun Thanaraju, Khairunazwan Rodzy, Shyamala Kandapper and Jesebel Lee.
On March 2, 2023, checks conducted by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) on the contents of the movie found that it goes against the creed and way of life of Muslims from the Syafie school of thought in Malaysia.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said Jakim would submit a detailed comment to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) so that action could be taken in accordance with the law.
He said the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) was also asked to call the parties involved in the production of the film for follow-up procedures.