The Malaysian Film Producers’ Association (PFM), established in 1980, can be made the body to determine the suitability rating for films because of its vast experience.

Its general-secretary, Norman Abdul Halim, said the concept of making the film producers’ association as the rating agency was being practiced in the United States of America through Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).

“A body with experience and is an expert in films, like the film producers’ association, is required to determine the rating because it is not an easy task.

“PFM can do this. We can give warnings, in the form of rating for films, like those containing violence and sex are suitable for viewing by those above 18 years old,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.

 Yesterday, Home Ministry secretary-general Mahmood Adam announced that local movie producers would be allowed to carry out their own censorship on movies or dramas that they produced, effective next year.

Norman said the country’s television stations had their own censorship system, adding that the move provided a form of “balance” to the entertainment industry.

“We have to look at films from the context of entertainment, not documentary. We have to use films to open the imagination of our youths. They are not that naive to watch a film and then totally copy or emulate what they see,” he added.

On the enforcement aspect of the rating, Norman said the cinema would play an important role.

“The cinemas have to be responsible where tickets for films with rating for those above 18 years old should not be sold to those below that age.

“When there is a report of the tickets being sold to those below 18 years old, action should be taken against the cinema owners,” he added.

- Bernama