‘Ministry will continue to monitor horror, mystical, superstitious movies on TV’

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THE Information Communication and Culture Ministry will continue to monitor television programmes that feature horror, mystical and superstitious elements to ensure that viewers received only positive messages.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the ministry would always take into consideration, the importance of contents in movies and dramas, to make sure such programmes contributed a message that would help educate viewers.

“As we face the challenges of building a nation, there is a need to view more programmes on television and radio that will help build a prosperous future for the children of Malaysia and inculcate unity among the races.

“We must be cautious when deciding the type of movies, programmes or dramas so as to offer entertainment that can provide a positive message,” he told Mohd Firdaus Jaafar (PAS-Jerai) at the Dewan Rakyat here yesterday.

DR Rais said his ministry had always advised TV stations to broadcast programmes that gave viewers a positive perspective to curb the rising number of social ills in the country.

He added that all contents meant for broadcasting must be vetted by the Film Censorship Board which comes under the Ministry.

Dr Rais said the ministry had set up eight special committees, including those set up by the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas) and the National Film Department, to ensure contents meant for broadcasting inculcated patriotism and the 1Malaysia ideals.

Filem Negara has also produced various documentaries and films that portrayed patriotism and national unity, to uphold the culture and heritage of the nation, said Dr Rais.

He said Finas was also working with the National Geographic Channel and Discovery Channel to produce quality programmes that can be aired for international viewers.

Dr Rais said there were only two horror movies broadcasted by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) throughout the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season, namely Gong and Jari Hantu. — Bernama