PUTRAJAYA – Production company MIG Production House of drama ‘Madu atau Racun’, starring Singaporean actor Aliff Aziz, has apologised over the controversy surrounding its drama, acknowledging that certain scenes were inappropriate and touched on religious and societal sensitivities.

MIG said in a statement on Sept 2 that it was aware of the issue going viral and that some scenes in the drama were seen as too extreme for public viewing, touching on religious and societal sensitivities.

“We would like to emphasise that we have absolutely no intention of intentionally offending, belittling or causing any controversy,” it said.

“We apologise and respect the views of all parties and will improve our future work and take this criticism as a big lesson,” it added.

The drama sparked backlash after several scenes, including elements of same‑sex romance, drew attention online for allegedly contradicting religious and cultural values.

Authorities and industry representatives have since convened a meeting involving National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), MIG, streaming platform iQIYI, Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF), the Malaysian Film Producers Association (PFM), the Malaysian Television Association (PTVM) and the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) to discuss the matter.

Bernama later on Sept 2 reported that iQIYI agreed to temporarily take down the six episodes of the drama that have already been released, while the remaining six have been postponed to allow all 12 episodes to undergo editing and a fresh review.

FINAS chief executive officer Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said the decision was reached at a meeting with iQIYI and the relevant production company, following instructions from Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.