KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 — The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) has backed the Islamic Affairs minister’s rejection of local drama series Madu atau Racun, saying its content has raised public concern and contains elements deemed contrary to religious and cultural values.
Jakim said the minister’s stance was justified, claiming that content in the drama streamed on iQIYI conflicted with “religious, cultural and human values”.
“Jakim fully supports the firm stance taken by the Honourable Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) in rejecting the screening of the drama Madu atau Racun, as it has caused public concern.
“This firm stance is justified, as the content of the drama broadcast through the iQIYI platform contains elements that contradict religious, cultural and human values,” it said in a media statement today.
Jakim said it was closely monitoring the matter under its Guidelines for the Censorship of Islamic Broadcasting Content (Jakim Circular No. 4/2015).
The department also said it had lodged an official report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“Jakim will continue to cooperate with relevant agencies, including the MCMC and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), to ensure that appropriate action is taken in accordance with their respective jurisdictions and the provisions of the laws currently in force,” it said.
The statement was issued by Jakim director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee.
The 12-episode Malay-language Madu atau Racun, starring Aliff Aziz, Uqasha Senrose and Elisya Sandha, began streaming on iQIYI on August 23.
The drama has drawn criticism on social media over scenes alleged to involve same-sex relationships, with some users calling for the series to be removed.
The controversy has also prompted discussion over the regulatory jurisdiction governing locally produced content released through international streaming and over-the-top platforms.
