Kuala Lumpur, 12 April 2021 - The recent buzz on social media about a pair of “Muslim-friendly” footwear has caused backlash and ire from netizens and the public. This is understandable as Malaysia is made up of a multicultural society, which makes it crucial that all content posted for public consumption, especially in the digital sphere, be responsible, tactful and truthful.
It is for reasons such as these, that the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) introduced the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Code (Content Code) – a set of guidelines drawn up to promote good practices and standards of content amongst content producers and consumers. This self-regulatory framework came into effect on 1 September 2004.
“CMCF is also entrusted to consider industry and societal developments in promoting ethical and positive content standards to be part of the content industry’s business practices,” said CMCF executive director Mediha Mahmood.
“The increasing use of religion as a marketing ploy has raised many concerns and CMCF had thus issued an Industry Practice Note on the Use of Religion in Advertising via Broadcast Media in 2017. This is also to ensure that neither the religion nor the consumers are exploited through misleading advertising content.” The Industry Practice Note includes prohibition against making claims or giving false interpretation of the teachings of any religion that has a tendency to mislead, create fear or give false promises to consumers.
Mediha added that it is not CMCF’s aim to curtail creativity in content advertising or control content consumption, but merely to promote a safe and thriving communications and multimedia environment. She also urged industry players, content creators and content consumers to practice self-regulation.
In light of the rise in content abuse across all platforms recently, CMCF encourages all industry players and content creators to refer to the content code whenever in doubt. The Content Code serves as a clear guide on what may be deemed as insensitive to the mass public. It can also help users identify content which is threatening, offensive or false
CMCF is currently working to produce a revised version of the Content Code, to better address more recent and timely issues in regards to content across all digital platforms. This revised code will cover more areas which are currently left unaddressed. Users will be able to grab a copy of the revised Content Code later in the year.
For more information on the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Code and the Industry Practice Note, kindly visit http://www.cmcf.my/overview.
