RTM Drops ‘Cleopatra in Space’ from Schedule After Complaints, Initiates Review
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s public broadcaster, Radio Televisyen Malaysia, has removed the animated series Cleopatra in Space from its broadcast schedule following viewer complaints alleging the presence of LGBT-related content.
The programme, which aired on TV2 Malaysia on April 18 and 19, was taken off air shortly after its initial broadcast. In a statement issued on Wednesday, RTM confirmed that the series has been suspended entirely while an internal review is being conducted.
“RTM remains committed to delivering content that is appropriate, of good quality, and aligned with the norms and values of Malaysian society,” the broadcaster said.
The organisation also disclosed that its management has launched an internal investigation to determine how the programme passed its content evaluation process before being aired.
The move has drawn renewed attention from political groups, particularly Parti Islam Se-Malaysia, which has been vocal in raising concerns about content deemed inconsistent with conservative societal values.
While RTM did not detail the specific elements that led to the complaints, it emphasised that public feedback plays a key role in shaping its programming decisions and maintaining trust with viewers.
The suspension highlights the challenges faced by broadcasters in balancing international entertainment content with domestic regulatory standards and audience expectations.
As the review continues, RTM is expected to reassess its content screening procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The development has also reignited broader discussions on media governance, cultural sensitivities and the role of public broadcasters in managing diverse content in Malaysia’s evolving media landscape.
-wilayah.com.my
