PUSPAL uses AI to reduce foreign film script review process from 30 days to seven days, improving efficiency for international productions
PUTRAJAYA: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) since June 2024 has enabled the Central Agency for Filming and Performances by Foreign Artistes (PUSPAL), under the Ministry of Communications, to shorten the foreign film script review process from 30 days to just seven days.
PUSPAL unit principal assistant secretary Ahmad Mahathir Mohd Hilmi said the AI system, which offers up to 70 percent accuracy, helps speed up script content analysis by generating story summaries and performing initial screenings for sensitive elements such as firearms, explosions, explicit scenes, religious sensitivities and issues related to racial harmony.
He said previously, the review process was carried out manually, with an ideal timeframe of 14 days. However, the process could stretch to 30 days if the script required additional vetting by related agencies such as the police or the Home Ministry.
“If no issues arise, the use of AI allows the script review to be completed within seven days. In fact, the review itself can be done within a day, but the decision cannot be issued immediately as it must first be presented at the PUSPAL committee meeting, chaired by the Secretary-General of the Communications Ministry, which convenes weekly,” he told Bernama recently.
From June 2024 to November 2025, a total of 48 script review applications were processed.
Ahmad Mahathir said International production companies have responded positively to the shorter waiting time, which allows them to plan filming schedules in Malaysia more efficiently, as well as helps increase investment value in the country.
He said the improved efficiency also speeds up applications for the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), for which script approval is a key requirement.
Script review and approval are mandatory for all film and drama productions by international companies intending to film in Malaysia, before full filming applications can be submitted.
Foreign production companies are also required to appoint a local production company as a local sponsor to handle PUSPAL-related applications.
“Even if only a small portion of the filming takes place in Malaysia, we still require the full script to assess the entire storyline and ensure that filming locations do not involve restricted areas or violate local regulations,” he said.
Ahmad Mahathir also said the PUSPAL Guidelines (GPP 6.0), which came into effect on May 1 this year, also underwent significant enhancements, including the separation of filming and performance guidelines, unlike the previous versions that combined both.
“The new version is also available in both Bahasa Melayu and English. Previously, everything was in Bahasa Melayu, which meant local sponsors had to translate the guidelines themselves for foreign producers,” he said.
He added that the agency plans to upgrade the e-PUSPAL system by 2027 to strengthen integration with relevant agencies.
Meanwhile, local sponsor Syarizan Md Isa, who is also a producer at Aquila Emas Sdn Bhd, welcomed the shorter script review period but hopes that the response from related agencies can also be improved.
Syarizan, who managed the script review for the film ‘The Penthouse’, produced by Saidam Baryl LLC of Kyrgyzstan, said the production completed filming in Kuala Lumpur in December 2024 and is now awaiting its release in the home country.
“During the script review process, issues arose involving the use of firearms, which required consultation with the police and licensed local companies that supply such equipment. This took quite some time and the script was only cleared after 30 days.
“The delay caused complications, and eventually the foreign producer decided to remove the scene and amend the script due to time constraints,” he said.
