KUALA LUMPUR: Islamic Religious Development Department (Jakim) advised entertainment industry players to consult religious authorities when producing movie or television drama with sensitive content.
Jakim director general Datuk Mohamad Nordin Ibrahim said the department was ever ready to provide advice on works that may cause controversies related to religion.
“We advise movie or drama producers to seek guidance for content that may touch on the sensitivity of Islam. For instance, (scenes at) mufti office, religious department and preachers.
“Film censorship falls under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry.
“However, if there are sensitive or critical cases, it (ministry) would also sometimes refer them to Jakim to establish a protocol,” he told a Press conference after launching ‘Jom Cinta Nabi’ (Love Our Prophet) campaign here yesterday (Thursday).
Also present were The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd (NSTP) chairman Tan Sri Ismail Omar and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Abdul Jalil Hamid; and BH executive officer Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman.
A local drama titled Isteri Untuk Disewa which was aired by a paid television channel was heavily criticised as it was deemed as derogatory to women and wives, while straying from Islamic values.
Mohamad Nordin said consultation made with Jakim would cover all aspects including the script.
“If referred, we would scrutinise (all) including the writing of scripts.
“We will give comments and views based on the guidelines of Islam,” he said.
Meanwhile, ‘Jom Cinta Nabi’ campaign, which was organised by Berita Harian in collaboration with Jakim would be held from Nov 10 to 20.
Various activities would be held including religious talks, writing of articles and features on sunnah and video competition.