Beauty and the Beast to screen in Malaysia on March 30, with no cuts

KUALA LUMPUR —  After much controversy over “exclusively gay moments” in the film Beauty And The Beast, it appears that the movie will be screened in Malaysia after all.

The Walt Disney Co (Malaysia) on Tuesday (March 21) confirmed that the movie will be released with no cuts for Malaysia audiences on March 30.

In an emailed statement, Disney said: “We are pleased to announce that Disney’s Beauty And The Beast has now been approved to be released in Malaysia with no cuts, with a PG13 rating.

“Be our guest when the film opens in Malaysian cinemas on March 30, 2017,” said the statement.

A PG13 rating means that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13, thus requiring parental supervision.

Meanwhile, Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) also announced via its social media platforms stating that: “Beauty And The Beast confirmed for 30 March without cuts. RT this and get excited! #BeOurGuest.”

Ms Samantha Tan, GSC’s public relations and branding manager, confirmed the news.

“We have just received the green light from the local distributor (The Walt Disney Co Malaysia),” she told NST

Just days before its original opening date at the cinemas in Malaysia on March 16, the film was caught in a controversy over one of its gay supporting characters.

In a bid to adhere to the country’s cultural and religious sensitivities, the Malaysian Censorship Board (LPF) decided to make minor edits, prompting Disney to stand its ground by refusing to screen the movie in Malaysia. NEW STRAITS TIMES