KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) is seeking feedback from the public on its plans to introduce four amendments to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Code.
The amendments include the classification of broadcast content and allowing advertisements for slimming products with approval of the Health Ministry.
It also includes the scheduling of classified programmes applicable to free-to-air and Pay TV broadcasters, and the introduction of a new provision that strengthens the requirements of privacy in line with the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Act 2010.
CMCF chairman Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar said the new amendments represented the organisation’s goals to foster a safer, self-regulating electronic media environment.
“To that extent, we hope to introduce these four amendments to stay relevant and proactive to the needs of the electronic content industry scene in Malaysia,” he said in a statement.
He added that public feedback, particularly from the electronic media sector, was critical in finalising the amendments for inclusion in the Content Code.
“As a precursor to the proposed changes to the Content Code, the CMCF is inviting Malaysians to share their views on the four amendments before the changes are officially made and implemented.”
The public can access the proposed amendments on the CMCF website at www.cmcf.my from tomorrow (May 20) until June 30. Feedback from the public can also be channelled via email at secretariat@cmcf.my, direct messaging at CMCF’s social media platforms, or written in directly via mail or fax.
The Content Forum’s executive director Mohd Mustaffa Fazil Mohd Abdan said the new classification of broadcast content was a “timely solution” in aligning the rating standards with that of the Film Censorship Board of Malaysia.
This, he added, would also alleviate confusion about the different rating standards between free-to-air television stations, Pay TV, and other electronic media.
“Additionally, there will be an added provision directed at optimising the benefits of parental controls to curb viewing of inappropriate content by minors through self-censorship of offensive materials at any given viewing time belt.
“This aids consumers via determining the right kind of content to be accessed, especially for subscription-based broadcasting.”
The amendment on advertisements for slimming products and services, meanwhile, is aimed at providing protection for consumers, by making the Health Ministry’s approval via the Medicine Advertisements Board to be a main requirement.
This approach would allow for the proper authority's scrutiny of such products and services before they reach the consumers.
Inquiries, call CMCF at its toll-free line at 1-800-88-2623 during office hours. The existing Content Code, available in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and Tamil, can be downloaded via the CMCF website.