Mentega Terbang producer to be charged on Wednesday

(From left) Lawyer Zaid Malek, Khairi Anwar Jailani, actor Arjun Thanaraju and lawyer Mahajoth Singh outside Bukit Aman in March last year.

PETALING JAYA: The producer of Mentega Terbang, a local indie movie that was banned by the government, will be charged at the magistrates’ court on Wednesday for “wounding religious feelings”.

Tan Meng Kheng was served with a summons — dated today — to answer a charge framed under Section 298 of the Penal Code at the Kuala Lumpur magistrates’ court.

Last month, Tan and director Khairi Anwar Jailani filed an application with the High Court to commence a legal challenge against the government over its decision to ban the film.

Previously screened via online streaming platforms, the film was criticised by the public over some scenes which were said to have gone against Islamic teachings and beliefs.

The home ministry banned the film on Sept 1, which the duo said was “irrational” as it violates freedom of speech under the Federal Constitution.

The 104-minute film is an independent film about the religious conflict faced by Muslim teenager Aisyah, who explores other religions, especially for answers to the question of life after death.

The Islamic development department (Jakim) had also said it found elements in the film that went against the creed and way of life of Malaysian Muslims, who follow the Syafie school of thought.