Religious affairs department rejects 'Madu atau Racun' over alleged conflicts with Islamic teachings

Malaysia's Department of Islamic Religious Affairs has rejected the airing of 'Madu atau Racun', saying the drama contains elements that conflict with Islamic teachings and Eastern cultural values.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Religious Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, said the Malaysian Islamic Development Department, known as Jakim, would cooperate with relevant agencies to review broadcast material. He said authorities would take appropriate action under the guidelines for screening Islamic-themed broadcast content.

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We stress that the principles of Islamic teachings always prioritize protecting the sanctity of the family institution and proper conduct in religious life, while the depiction of a deviant lifestyle is completely contrary to those noble values.

The department said the review aims to ensure that dramas and other broadcasts do not contradict sharia principles or religious morality, while preserving the sanctity of Islam. Zulkifli said Islamic teachings prioritize protecting the family institution and proper conduct in religious life. He described the depiction of what he called a deviant lifestyle as wholly contrary to those values.

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Therefore, the Prime Minister's Department for Religious Affairs rejects the airing of the drama Madu atau Racun, which has caused concern and controversy among the public.

'Madu atau Racun' has prompted varied reactions on social media. The drama features Nikita, who is attracted to people of the same sex and tries to save her lover, Azura, from becoming a victim of domestic violence.

Zulkifli expressed regret that the production incorporated elements touching on religious sensitivities and local cultural norms, whether explicitly or implicitly. He urged artists, producers and broadcasters to follow official guidelines and produce works that educate and build character. He said the arts and media should spread good values rather than trigger disputes that damage social harmony.

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The arts industry and media platforms should be used as a means of sowing good values, not of creating polemics that undermine the harmony of society.