FT Mufti Dept Urges Responsible Creative Content Amid Drama Series Controversy

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- The Federal Territories Mufti Department (JMWP) has urged artistes, producers and broadcasters to remain mindful and responsible, and to use Islamic principles and local cultural values as key references in producing creative works.

Federal Territories Mufti Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil said the arts industry and media platforms should be used as mediums to educate, nurture character and instil positive values.

“JMWP is of the view that elements which touch on religious sensitivities and local cultural norms, whether directly or implicitly, must be curbed immediately.

“Works produced must be responsible, should not provoke controversy and must not undermine social harmony and moral values, particularly among the younger generation,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Ahmad Fauwaz said JMWP had taken note of and expressed regret over the screening of the drama series ‘Madu atau Racun’, which has sparked concern and controversy among the public.

He said Islam placed great importance on safeguarding the sanctity of faith, the family institution and proper conduct in religious life.

Any portrayal of lifestyles, values or narratives that contradicted Islamic teachings and Eastern cultural values, he said, was clearly inconsistent with the principles of ‘Maqasid Syariah’, which seek to safeguard religion, intellect, dignity, lineage and property.

“To all Muslims in the Federal Territories, let us work together to uphold the sanctity of religion, preserve good morals and exercise wisdom in choosing what we watch so that the faith and identity of the Muslim community remain protected.

“May Allah SWT protect our country from any influence that could erode the values and morals of society,” he said.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan said today that the government rejected the screening of ‘Madu atau Racun’ and regretted the inclusion of elements that touched on religious sensitivities and local cultural norms, whether explicitly or implicitly.

Communications Minister and MADANI Government spokesperson Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF), together with the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), met the production team and streaming platform iQIYI today to obtain a detailed explanation over the content of the drama, which has sparked public concern and controversy.

FINAS chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said iQIYI had agreed to temporarily remove the six episodes of ‘Madu atau Racun’ that had already been released, while the remaining six episodes would be deferred to allow all 12 episodes to be edited and reassessed.

‘Madu atau Racun’ is a 12-episode drama series produced by MIG Production Sdn Bhd, which began streaming on iQIYI on Aug 14, 2026.

-- BERNAMA