KUALA LUMPUR: The Film Censorship Board (LPF) does not obstruct filmmakers' creativity and is always open to their feedback.
However, filmmakers must also understand the board's guidelines to ensure that films do not offend the cultural sensitivities of Malaysians.
LPF chairman Datuk Mohd Dusuki Yaacob said that filmmakers were welcome to meet them and share their views on what should be censored.
"Creative freedom has its limits, scenes which clearly offend cultural sensitivities are a 'no go'," he said in an interview with Berita Harian Online yesterday.
Mohd Dusuki also said that the LPF encouraged filmmakers to keep in touch with them via e-mail and would soon have a new website that highlighted filmmaking guidelines.
"We classify foreign films based on the final product sent to us. As for local films, we invite the filmmakers to meet us and discuss the classification of their works.
"Mohd Dusuki said that the LPF followed the up-to-date Film Classification 2023 which was recently announced by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
"The Ministry has been updating film classification standards over the last four years in line with technological advancement and changing social norms.
"The new classification that was gazetted last month comprises U for viewers of all ages, 12 (parental guidance for viewers aged below 12), 13 (viewers aged 13 and above), 16 (viewers aged 16 and above) and 18 (viewers aged 18 and above).
Mohd Dusuki said that the controversial trailer for the coming horror film Pulau on YouTube was outside the LPF's jurisdiction and was the responsibility of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
"We did approve a trailer for the film but it is different from the one on YouTube. It strictly adhered to our guidelines."