Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

apology

controversy

FINAS

backlash

Madu Atau Racun

iQIYI

malay drama

Malaysian streaming viewers will no longer be able to watch the currently released episodes of local drama &lsquo;Madu Atau Racun&rsquo; on iQIYI for the time being, after the government rejected its airing over concerns surrounding religious sensitivities and local cultural values. iQIYI has agreed to temporarily remove the six episodes already released, while the remaining six episodes have been postponed as the full 12-episode series undergoes editing and reassessment.
The decision follows growing controversy over scenes in the Malay-language drama that drew criticism online, including content alleged to portray a same-sex relationship.
Why Was &lsquo;Madu Atau Racun&rsquo; Pulled From iQIYI?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/8328072c8cbb78e711ed39cad678824ab9f1d4aac8f05357058f63b0ccc3f3ae" />
Minister in the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the government rejected the streaming of Madu Atau Racun because certain elements were considered inconsistent with Islamic teachings and Eastern cultural values.
He said content touching on religious sensitivities and local cultural norms should be curbed, particularly to protect the faith and moral values of younger members of society.
The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has also said it supports the minister&rsquo;s position and is monitoring the drama under its existing guidelines for Islamic-related broadcast content. JAKIM previously lodged a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) over the series.
All 12 Episodes Will Be Edited And Reviewed
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4db6081b965d0594a00be5ff73a2539ef5048594f738ff9281c857c3c0f6a388" />
Following the controversy, representatives from iQIYI, the production company and several Malaysian industry and regulatory bodies held a meeting to discuss the drama.
FINAS chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said iQIYI and the producer agreed to temporarily take down the six episodes that had already been released. The other six episodes will also be postponed.
All 12 episodes will now be re-edited and reassessed before they can be made available again. The revised version must first be submitted to an assessment panel, and there is currently no confirmed date for the drama&rsquo;s return to iQIYI.
The review involves guidance from the Film Censorship Board (LPF) and the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF), among other relevant parties.
What Is &lsquo;Madu Atau Racun&rsquo; About?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a6a5bf8bed078630d5a5611afcb2f0d1d4547b30de9bc553487226e2abe59984" />
Madu Atau Racun is a 12-episode Malay-language romance drama directed by Eyra Rahman and starring Aliff Aziz, Uqasha Senrose and Elisya Sandha. The series is rated 18+ and originally began streaming on iQIYI in August 2026.
The story follows Azura, a devoted housewife whose life changes after her husband, Adli, brings home a second wife, Nikita. Adli claims that he wants another wife because Azura is unable to give him children.
However, Nikita is not a stranger to Azura. She is revealed to be Azura&rsquo;s former school rival, who has deliberately changed her appearance as part of a plan for revenge.
As the two women are forced to live under the same roof, their rivalry becomes increasingly complicated, particularly as Adli&rsquo;s controlling behaviour escalates. The story explores whether the two women will continue fighting one another or eventually unite against a common enemy.
Controversial Scenes Sparked Online Backlash
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
if your husband ever get you a "madu" dont be afraid turn it around and make out with the madu instead 😝 nak sangat kawin byk kan HAHAHHAA <a href="https://t.co/d9amBFnC2l">https://t.co/d9amBFnC2l</a>
&mdash; Strawberry Weno 🍓 (@Sday_23) <a href="https://x.com/Sday_23/status/2095542449582247997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2026</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The drama came under fire on social media after viewers highlighted scenes involving a same-sex relationship, with some users calling for the series to be removed from the platform.
The controversy quickly expanded beyond social media, prompting Malaysian authorities and industry representatives to seek clarification from the production team and iQIYI.
The Communications Ministry had directed CMCF and FINAS to meet the production team and streaming platform following concerns raised over the drama. JAKIM was also expected to participate in discussions surrounding the content.
MIG Production House Apologises
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/a637ac4e60e6b617b6d887a7fbc1aceda7e9dab9c3274757143846c806330100" />
MIG Production House, which produced the drama, has since <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1530141852474120&amp;set=a.418591040295879">apologised</a> over the controversy.
The company said it was aware of the concerns surrounding certain scenes, acknowledging that some parts were viewed as excessive for public viewing and had touched on religious and societal sensitivities.
MIG said it had no intention of deliberately offending, belittling or creating controversy through the drama. The production company also said it respected the views expressed by the public and would take the criticism as an important lesson for future productions.
iQIYI has similarly agreed to cooperate with the review process and make changes where necessary.
What Happens To &lsquo;Madu Atau Racun&rsquo; Now?
For now, viewers will have to wait for the revised version of Madu Atau Racun.
FINAS said the production team and iQIYI must first complete the required edits before submitting all 12 episodes for reassessment. Only after the assessment panel is satisfied with the revised content will the series be allowed to return to the public.
The controversy also highlights the growing discussion around how Malaysian dramas released through international streaming and over-the-top (OTT) platforms are regulated, particularly as local productions become increasingly available outside traditional television.
For viewers who had been following the drama, there is currently no confirmed date for its return to iQIYI, leaving the series&rsquo; future release dependent on the outcome of the editing and review process.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
FOMO much? Follow our&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.facebook.com/mycclub/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.instagram.com/myc_news/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;for more updates.

With the drama sparking controversy among viewers, iQIYI will edit the show before resubmitting it for review.

22b4b714eeca5d2b47c83c6772ed762687e97cdd7d755c64d682ba5a8d4f0d73

iQIYI Pulls ‘Madu Atau Racun’ Episodes After Malaysian Authorities Reject Screening

b231707127825f4a15dd17fea55ac4d5a0ca0f639102a0e441db21b9629c225f

AXE MLBB

9621255847abc97937372c8dc13279f044806beb1dd21709fd1553c490afe2dd

BIllie Eilish UMMY

cdb6070aabbec308a543cd4adeeb88164255929fcd5130c1f206502017c1c52f

Coke Fifa

38941b1bac42da64a02a23ecc8eb6222efa97c70765b23b6219aa575309b69db

UMMY Sienna Spiro

iQIYI Pulls ‘Madu Atau Racun’ Episodes After Malaysian Authorities Reject Screening

With the drama sparking controversy among viewers, iQIYI will edit the show before resubmitting it for review.

Latest News

BLACKPINK’s Lisa To Bring ‘Always Lalisa’ Documentary To Malaysian Cinemas This October

OMEGA X To Bring “BEYOND” Asia Tour To Malaysia In January 2027

Malaysians Can Now Apply To Volunteer At 2026 F1 Grand Prix In Sepang, With 500 Slots Available

Pokémon World Championships Coming To Singapore For The First Time In 2027

JAKIM To Summon Malaysian Who Took Part In Miss Equality World 2026 In Thailand

Related Articles

BLACKPINK’s Lisa To Bring ‘Always Lalisa’ Documentary To Malaysian Cinemas This October

OMEGA X To Bring “BEYOND” Asia Tour To Malaysia In January 2027

Malaysians Can Now Apply To Volunteer At 2026 F1 Grand Prix In Sepang, With 500 Slots Available

Pokémon World Championships Coming To Singapore For The First Time In 2027

JAKIM To Summon Malaysian Who Took Part In Miss Equality World 2026 In Thailand

Related Articles

BLACKPINK’s Lisa To Bring ‘Always Lalisa’ Documentary To Malaysian Cinemas This October

OMEGA X To Bring “BEYOND” Asia Tour To Malaysia In January 2027

Malaysians Can Now Apply To Volunteer At 2026 F1 Grand Prix In Sepang, With 500 Slots Available

Pokémon World Championships Coming To Singapore For The First Time In 2027

JAKIM To Summon Malaysian Who Took Part In Miss Equality World 2026 In Thailand