KUALA LUMPUR, October 23 2026 Films classified for viewers aged 18 and above are not exempt from content restrictions and must continue to comply with existing censorship guidelines, the Communications Ministry said.
In a written parliamentary reply published on Parliament’s website, the ministry said the Film Censorship Board (LPF) under the Home Ministry would continue assessing films based on public safety and order, religious considerations, sociocultural values, as well as propriety and decency.
“Content that violates censorship guidelines, including material that could affect social harmony, remains subject to appropriate action,” the ministry said.
The ministry was responding to Datuk Ahmad Saad (PN-Pokok Sena), who sought clarification on the government’s position regarding the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation’s (FINAS) move to allow films classified PG18 to be screened without certain scenes being cut.
According to the ministry, the approach represents a shift from cutting scenes to classifying films according to age suitability, rather than relaxing content controls.
Under the system, eligible films may be screened without certain cuts, provided they carry strict age classifications.
The ministry said the 2024 Film Censorship Guidelines (GPPF) outline age-based classifications to help adults make informed viewing choices while protecting children and teenagers from inappropriate content that could negatively influence their behaviour.
The system also places responsibility on parents to supervise and guide their children’s viewing choices.
FINAS and the LPF will continue working with industry players to review the film classification system periodically to ensure it remains relevant to industry developments and the changing content landscape, the ministry added.
Separately, the ministry said the Malaysian Media Council (MMM), established following the enforcement of the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 (Act 868), plays a role in strengthening public media literacy amid the spread of misinformation, hate speech and challenges arising from digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
The council is also responsible for promoting accurate, credible and ethical media reporting, strengthening compliance with journalistic codes of ethics, and providing transparent and effective public complaint mechanisms.
The government supports the council through a dedicated legal framework, initial assistance for infrastructure and administrative operations, and cooperation with relevant agencies to develop media professionals’ capabilities through training and stronger journalistic ethics.
The explanation was provided in response to a question from Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) on the implementation of Act 868, the council’s functions and responsibilities, and the support provided by the government.
-AWANI
