The Film Censorship Board (LPF) was established in 1954 in Singapore. Two committees were formed — one in Singapore (for the Straits Settlements) and another in Kuala Lumpur (for Malaya). In 1966, the headquarters of LPF Malaysia was relocated to Kuala Lumpur.

The function of LPF is to implement censorship policies and censor films for the entire country. The first act enforced was the Cinematograph Films Act 1952 (Amendment 1966), followed by the Film Censorship Act 2002 (Act 620), which remains in force to this day.

LPF is led by a Chairman, assisted by a Vice Chairman, and comprises a group of Board Members. In carrying out its duties, the Board is supported by a Secretariat team led by a Division Secretary.

Film censorship duties are carried out by a panel of three Board Members. The panel’s decision is then submitted for consideration by the Chairman or Vice Chairman. The decisions are made based on the rules and criteria set out in three key documents: the Film Censorship Act, the Film Censorship Guidelines, and the Specific Film Censorship Guidelines.

Previous Functions and Methods of Film Censorship

In fact, the function of film censorship had been carried out as early as 1908, before the establishment of LPF. At that time, the task was carried out by the Police under the Theatre Ordinance 1908, which gave the Police authority to determine the appropriateness of scenes in a film. The Police also had the power to conduct raids and seize films that violated regulations.

The first law specifically concerning film control and censorship was the Cinematograph Films Ordinance 1924, enacted for the Straits Settlements, followed by the Cinematograph Films (Control) Enactment 1927 for the Federated Malay States and Johor. Later, a law for the entire Malaya — the Cinematograph Films Ordinance 1952 — was enforced.

At that time, film censorship was conducted by a single officer who was responsible to the Chief of Police.