Rating systems in Malaysia

Malaysians have one similar attitude call LACKADAISICAL which also applies to me. It is more popularly known as 'tidak apa' attitude. Based on the survey results, there are quite a number of respondents who does not care about the rating system before viewing it.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, all films in Malaysia are scrutinised and then categorised by the Film Censorship Board Film Control Division before being distributed and screened to the public. The board was established under the Film Censorship Act 1952 and was later replaced by the Film Censorship Act 2002. A panel is then appointed by the chairman of the board to view each film. Sounds complicated with all the strict procedures. The decisions made by the board on any film is either approved or disapproved.

U (Umum, literally General Audiences)

Film such as Transformers, Enchanted, High School Musical 3:Senior Year, The Dark Knight, Bolt, Mamma Mia, WALL-E are rated U.

PG-13
Parental guidance are suggested for children under 13. It was first introduced in Quantum of Solace, The Duchess, Slumdog Millionaire, The Visitor are rated PG-13.

18SG (Seram, Ganas, literally Graphic Violence and Horror/Terror)
Below18 requires accompanying adult. Film may contain strong violence, gore or horror/terror that can be unaccepted by some. Films such as the Saw series, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, My Bloody Valentine and Friday the 13th are rated 18SG.

18SX (Seks, literally Sexual Content)
Below 18 requires accompanying adult too. Film may contain sex scenes, nudity or sexual dialogues/references people may find objectionable. Films such as Lust, Caution, The Reader, The 40-year Old Virgin and Little Children are rated 18SX.

18PA (Politik, Agama, literally Strong Religious or Political Elements)

Film may contain elements which include religious, social or political aspects which people below 18 requires accompanying adult. Many people find this rating unnecessary, since it is a rare rating and it is used in films such as The Reaping and The Passion of Christ and it is not used till then. Since Malaysia is a multi-racial country, and religion being a sensitive issue, therefore there is a need for this rating.

18PL (Pelbagai, literally Variety)

An adult has to accompany those who are below 18 because the film may contain all the elements mentioned above. Film such as Sin City , The Wrestler, Milk , Watchmen are rated 18PL.

Some people think that film censoring is considered as irrelevant in today’s context. Tuan Haji Husain said that "Many have been questioning whether Film Censorship Board is still relevant with the open sky policy, as there are now broadband, internet and satellite facilities available. However, we are talking about 25 million people who are living in Malaysia. We have to bear in mind that only a small portion of the community has access to the modern facilities and the rest of the majority still depend on television networks as a source for enjoyment, thus film censoring is still relevant. In this context, National Censorship Board is still relevant though open sky policy is being practice."

Reference

Absolute Astronomy, Censorship in Malaysia [Online] Retrieved 16th March 2009
URL: http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Censorship_in_Malaysia

Sinema Malaysia Official Website, Editorial Interview with Tuan HJ Husain Hj Shafie, Chairman Malaysia's Film Censorship Board [Online, HTML] Retrieved 16th March 2009

URL: http://www.sinemamalaysia.com.my/main/index.php?mod=article&id=40