Rais proposes MCMC screening for TV, radio ads

KUALA KLAWANG, Sept 6 — Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim has proposed that radio and television commercials to be screened before they go on air to avoid cultural, religious and racial discord.

He said this was in the wake of criticisms of a TV3 Aidilfitri advertisement, which displayed a flying trishaw, lotus and lamps which purportedly incorporated elements of Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism into the Muslim festival.

TV3 has since cancelled the controversial advertisement and apologised for hurting the feelings of its Muslim viewers.

Speaking to reporters after breaking fast with orphans, single mothers and the poor at Kampung Gagu mosque here today, he said monitoring of radio and television commercials was under the jurisdiction of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

Rais, who is the MP for Jelebu, said when commercials were not screened, the content would be overlooked by the authorities.

He said the monitoring would entail the setting up of a committee involving advertisers, radio and television stations, and newspaper with the commercials subjected to approval from the MCMC.

“We will determine the values, standards and regulations. So far there are no such guidelines for radio and TV commercials except for motion pictures and drama.

“That is why we also see billboards in topsy-turvy condition all over the country. They are placed in places they should not have been displayed in the first place.

“This happened because the permits are approved by local authorities. This is a big problem as they cloud our sight,” he said. — Bernama