KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 — Malaysian filmmakers should exercise greater responsibility and understand the limits of what is acceptable under the country’s film censorship guidelines, said National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) chairman Datuk Hans Isaac.

Hans’ comments come amid the controversy surrounding the drama Madu atau Racun, which has sparked nationwide debate and led to the series being temporarily taken down from iQIYI for re-editing and reassessment.

The drama sparked backlash after several scenes, including elements of same‑sex romance, drew attention online for allegedly contradicting religious and cultural values.

Speaking to Malay Mail today after the launch of Projek Sinema: Pencetus Aspirasi Filem Malaysia at Menara Finas, Isaac stressed that Finas is not the authority responsible for censorship, which falls under the Lembaga Penapis Filem (LPF).

“Finas, I repeat, Finas does not have authority over censorship.

“People may think Finas is the censorship authority, but we know it is the LPF.

“They are two separate agencies,” he said.

He said discussions had been held with the relevant authorities on giving filmmakers more space to express themselves, including allowing them to exercise greater self-censorship when producing films.

He said filmmakers should already understand what they can and cannot include in their productions based on the existing guidelines.

“There are things you already know cannot be done because there’s a model already of what you can do and what you cannot do.

“So it’s just a question, have you read the model? Have you understood what is right and what is wrong? What we can do and cannot do?” he said.

Hans urged Malaysian filmmakers to be more mature and mindful when dealing with sensitive issues, particularly given the country’s multiracial character.

“If you want to make a movie with these elements that we cannot accept, you go to the UK, you go to US and you make those movies,” he added.

He said filmmakers should consider the wider impact of their work and “always look at the big picture”.

“I ask filmmakers in Malaysia, when you make your movies, consider our nationalism.

“Consider not just thinking, ‘Oh, I can do what I want.’

“Always got to have that mindful approach.

“I ask filmmakers in Malaysia to be mindful when they make their stories, that you make movies that all Malaysians can accept,” he said.

Hans also said Malaysia’s film industry had evolved into a professional sector supported by government funding, infrastructure, technology and studios.

He said filmmakers should use the opportunities and support available to them while continuing to tell Malaysian stories.

“Be mindful of all our friends in Malaysia, irrelevant of race and religion.

“Be very mindful when you make your movie.

“But tell our Malaysian stories,” he concluded.