Terengganu govt ready to hear 'Pulau' film producer's appeal over ban

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu government is ready to meet with 'Pulau' film producer Fred Chong to discuss the ban on the movie being screened in cinemas in the state.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the state government would allow the relevant party to argue his case to allow re-evaluation of the ban.

However, he said the state government was maintaining its ban on the film after viewing its trailer, which was deemed to be inappropriate and contrary to the religious and cultural norms of Asian society.

"His argument that the trailer is not a full representation of the movie is beyond our knowledge.

"Let's wait to see what kind of appeal or justification he (Chong) will give. We will give him space and evaluate the arguments presented," he said after closing the 2023 Terengganu OKU (people with disabilities) Carnival at Dataran Batu Buruk here on Saturday (Feb 18).

Ahmad Samsuri also rejected the view that Terengganu had a "backward mentality" by banning the film, saying it is the responsibility of the government to protect the morals of the people and preserve the harmony of the state.

"We want to keep Terengganu in a state of progress, blessing and prosperity. It is this blessing that we want to guard so that the people are protected from immoral behaviour," he said. – Bernama