A tussle is underway over a popular television talent show after Islamic scholars called for the postponement of its next broadcast, which falls on the Prophet Mohammed's birthday.

The influential muftis have called on private cable operator Astro to delay its Akademi Fantasia programme this Saturday, saying it would be disrespectful as Muslims worldwide celebrate the Prophet's birthday.

"Have respect for Prophet Mohammed's birthday. Muslims will be celebrating that day with readings of the Koran and various religious programmes," Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria, was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times .

"We do not want that day to be marred by the concert. Astro can always have it on some other day," he said.

Akademi Fantasia, which has legions of loyal fans, is a spin-off from a Mexican talent show and features contestants performing in a weekly Saturday concert broadcast live.

Astro Ria, the channel which airs the show, has reportedly refused to reschedule the show, saying the preparations have already been made.

Show questioned

The newspaper said Malaysia's Islamic Development Department had called on the station to be more sensitive, while another mufti, calling for a postponement, also questioned the show's worth.

"This programme does not help in any way to build the minds of our youngsters or their identities," Perlis state's mufti, Asri Zainul Abidin, was quoted as saying.

The criticism follows a year-long ban imposed by state radio and television on a well-known Malaysian actress earlier this month after she compared gossip about one of her relationships to the Prophet Mohammed's wife.

Her comments sparked outrage from viewers and attracted the attention of the Islamic authorities.

A number of media outlets in the Muslim majority country have also been punished in the past year for content deemed insulting to Islam.