There is no plan by the Information Ministry to ban ghost films over RTM, its deputy minister Zainuddin Maidin said today.

However, the ministry does not encourage the screening of documentaries featuring magical spirits or genie, he stressed.

"A misconception has arisen...with people asking us why we have not banned ghost stories from other countries...we know people can think," he told Bernama.

The issue arose over the ministry's decision to suspend the programme "Pelik Tapi Benar" (Strange but true) over RTM as it was said to be fictitious and featuring magical spirits.

Assurance

The suspension had since been lifted following an assurance by the producer that it would not feature such things anymore.

Zainuddin said documentaries and news that could influence people into believing in magical spirits would not be aired as its effects would be negative.

"In our country's political history there have been ulama and politicians who have doubled up as influential bomohs looking for big gains by presenting themselves as political masters."

"Some of them have claimed they have the panacea for various ailments and have won a big following among the people," he said.

People should have the ability to pick out the truth from fabrication, the deputy minister added.