M’sia Actor Zul Ariffin to be Investigated After Posting Teaser of His New Drama

Er, yes. You read that right, even though getting investigated by the police just because you posted a teaser of a new drama you’re starring in sounds awfully unfair and strict.

But there’s a good reason as to why he’s being investigated.

Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa took to Twitter this morning to announce that popular actor Zul Ariffin will be investigated by authorities for a show trailer he posted to promote an upcoming show that he was starring in.

The reason?

There was a, and I quote, “steamy” love scene.

The Malaysian minister wrote, “The legal process is underway. Actor Zul Arifin will be investigated under Section 233 of the CMA for a YouTube post that violates the law.”

He also said that the clip is not available for public viewing from now onwards.

In Malaysia, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988 refers to the improper use of network facilities or services. Hence, it is illegal in Malaysia for anyone to share content that is seen as “obscene, indecent, false, menacing or offensive in character with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass another person”.

If convicted, individuals may face a fine of up to RM50,000 (approximately S$16,000), a jail term of up to one year, or both.

Additionally, if the individual continues to commit the offence after conviction, they will be issued a fine of RM1,000 (approximately S$321) for each day that the offence continues to be committed after their conviction.

Zul Ariffin has since taken his Instagram post down, and has also issued an apology.

Scene Not to Be Broadcast in Actual Show

The steamy scene that the 35-year-old actor featured in his now-deleted Instagram post is one from local Malaysian drama Perempuan Itu (That Girl), and it was allegedly part of the pilot episode.

Perempuan Itu, a 30-episode drama, was supposed to begin airing next month. However, it is uncertain as to whether the airing of the show will be delayed.

TV3, a Malaysian local broadcasting station, clarified that it had not discussed nor approved the scene in the video clip that was posted, and confirmed that it was not suitable for broadcast.

Annuar also mentioned that the scene will not be screened, whether during the fasting month or not.

“The process of law is ongoing. What is certain is that the scene which was displayed is not allowed for viewing whether during Ramadan or any other months. Take care of our values and culture,” he urged.

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Previously, Annuar had issued warnings to television company operators, reminding them not to broadcast scenes that involve “religious and other sensitivities” in Malaysia.

Apart from that, Minister in charge of Islamic Affairs Datuk Idris Ahmad announced on Facebook that he would be getting in touch with the relevant parties to settle the incident.

Yesterday (23 March), a wing of Malaysia’s ruling party PAS asked for the government to issue stricter licensing laws regarding broadcast and publishing of audiovisual content. This would allow the content to be better aligned with Islamic values, Malay customs and Malaysian culture.

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Featured Image: Instagram (@zul_ariffin)