Why were Mentega Terbang filmmakers charged under Section 298?

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Mentega Terbang Filmmakers Charged for Wounding Religious Feelings

Khairi Anwar, the director, and Tan Meng Kheng, the producer of the film Mentega Terbang, were charged under Section 298 of the Penal Code for deliberately wounding the religious feelings of others. This legal action follows the film's earlier ban by the Home Ministry in September 2023 and its removal from the streaming platform Viu in March 2023.
Charge and Potential Penalties

The charge against Anwar and Kheng falls under Section 298 of the Penal Code, which specifically addresses the act of deliberately wounding the religious feelings of any person. Individuals found guilty of this offense face a potential penalty of up to one year of imprisonment, a fine, or a combination of both.
Context of Film's Removal and Ban

The legal proceedings against the filmmakers are a direct consequence of the controversial reception of Mentega Terbang. Prior to the charges, the Home Ministry officially banned the film in September 2023. This governmental action was preceded by the film's removal from the Viu streaming platform in March 2023, indicating a pattern of restriction and disapproval of the content.
Broader Implications for Filmmaking and Expression

The criminalisation of filmmakers for a fictional work, particularly one described as inspired by lived experiences of processing grief, is viewed as an excessive and disproportionate response. Such actions raise concerns about the impact on the local film industry, potentially deterring investment and creating a perception that filmmaking is a precarious profession in Malaysia. The situation highlights a broader debate regarding content control, free expression, and the role of film in a multicultural society.

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Why were Mentega Terbang filmmakers charged under Section 298?

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