Almost a full year has passed since Malaysia implemented the 2023 Film Classification. The "18" classification is an enhanced method of classifying movies that takes into consideration the value of adult viewer's freedom of choice.
This also keeps children and teenagers in the audience from being exposed to inappropriate content.
For example, "P12" categories are meant for all ages to see, yet viewers under the age of 12 must have parental supervision.
Also, the categorization "13" is limited to viewers who are 13 years of age or older, while "16" is reserved for viewers who are 16 years of age or older. The "U" rating is applied to movies that are appropriate for audiences of all ages.
The efforts of the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) under the Film Censor Board (LPF) are seen both in regulating the viewing of films in Malaysia in cinemas and on television.
The current classification is more age-specific than the one that came before it. The "U" and "18" groups were not clearly separated by age in the prior, more flexible classification.
Nevertheless, few people discussed the categorization of movies this year. As a matter of fact, the author believes that parents are still unclear about the significance of film classification when choosing which movies to see in theaters.
Some parents also continue to bring their kids to see "16"-rated violent films in theaters that are inappropriate for far younger audiences. This shouldn't occur following the implementation of a clear classification.
In line with the launch of the Film Censorship Guidelines (GPPF) and New Film Classification on 20 May 2024 by the Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution, efforts to promote film classification should be intensified.
While there is no legal requirement to follow the classification of films and no penalties for breaking it, raising awareness particularly among parents is crucial to raising moral and ethical children.
The #tontondenganbijak fence sign is adorable and really appealing. However, the author discovered that the fence sign's application on social media was still far too limited and unimportant.
It is time for the various bodies in charge of regulating local cinema content to consider stepping up their awareness campaign, particularly on social media. It is anticipated that teenagers will also exercise the same awareness as parents.
All forms of media must be included in promotion and awareness initiatives, without discounting the significance of other mass media. Social media, on the other hand, uses the film classification to target the proper people more quickly and easily.
Currently, the classification of movies is based only on censorship criteria, with no input from the intended audience. It's possible that the only people aware of the existence of film classification are the filmmakers and those working on censorship software. If this keeps up, it is a loss.
AUTHOR, DR. HANI SALWAH YAAKUP, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Communication, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, UPM. He can be contacted via e-mail
This article is translated from the original Malay article. It is the author's personal view and does not necessarily represent the official view or position of RTM.