Kuala Lumpur: The producer of the drama series Bidaah has complied with the reprimand of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and is ready to cut any scenes that are not suitable for public viewing in the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, JAKIM director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee stated that the Islamic Media Censorship Committee had held a meeting with the production team of Bidaah. The committee examined the drama’s content, including controversial episodes and unaired video clips, to assess their impact and implications.

“JAKIM has reprimanded and emphasised to the production that any artwork produced must be in line with the principles of faith, sharia, and morals and not cause defamation to the teachings of Islam,” Sirajuddin said in a statement. He added that JAKIM is always ready to collaborate with artists and industry professionals to produce content that complies with religious guidelines.

Sirajuddin also highlighted that the Guidelines on the Censorship of Islamic Broadcasting Materials, issued in 2015, serve as the primary reference for the broadcasting industry. He noted, “Islam does not reject art, even recognizing it as a way to express the beauty bestowed by Allah SWT and da’wah to the community. However, art in Islam must comply with sharia guidelines, lead to goodness, and not neglect or promote things that are contrary to values and ethics.”

The drama recently sparked debate on social media due to a scene featuring Vanidah Imran as Ummi Rabiatul touching Faizal Hussein’s beard as Walid using his legs. Bidaah premiered on the Viu Malaysia streaming platform on March 6, directed by Pali Yahya and produced by Erma Fatima’s Rumah Karya Citra. The storyline follows Walid, a heretical practitioner claiming to be the incarnation of Imam Mahdi, as he spreads his influence in a village.