MACC-inspired film 'Konspirasi' pulled from cinemas, producer says reality is bitter
Alyaa Alhadjri
Published: May 29, 2026 5:51 PM
Updated: 7:51 PM
The screening of local action thriller “Konspirasi” at 120 cinemas nationwide has been halted only seven days into its “compulsory” two-week screening beginning May 21.
The story follows an elite MACC team tasked with recovering sensitive data linked to corrupt politicians and overseas financial transactions.
The mission spirals into a national political crisis after confidential information is leaked to the media and dark web platforms.
The issue surfaced last night after the movie’s lead actress, Sarimah Ibrahim, claimed in a post on Threads that the film had been “forced” to stop screening effective May 28.
“I received another shocking piece of news - the film Konspirasi has been forced to stop screening in all cinemas immediately.
“Malaysia, what is happening? Honestly, this is the second time I’ve gone through a very strange situation involving a film,” she said, without elaborating further on the matter.
‘Producer requested it’
In a statement today, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) said it was informed by the Malaysian Association of Film Exhibitors (Mafe) and distributor Media Prima Berhad that the film’s producer, Elepfilm Entertainment Sdn Bhd, had requested that screenings be stopped effective May 28.
Published: May 29, 2026 5:51 PM
Updated: 7:51 PM
The screening of local action thriller “Konspirasi” at 120 cinemas nationwide has been halted only seven days into its “compulsory” two-week screening beginning May 21.
The story follows an elite MACC team tasked with recovering sensitive data linked to corrupt politicians and overseas financial transactions.
The mission spirals into a national political crisis after confidential information is leaked to the media and dark web platforms.
The issue surfaced last night after the movie’s lead actress, Sarimah Ibrahim, claimed in a post on Threads that the film had been “forced” to stop screening effective May 28.
“I received another shocking piece of news - the film Konspirasi has been forced to stop screening in all cinemas immediately.
“Malaysia, what is happening? Honestly, this is the second time I’ve gone through a very strange situation involving a film,” she said, without elaborating further on the matter.
‘Producer requested it’
In a statement today, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) said it was informed by the Malaysian Association of Film Exhibitors (Mafe) and distributor Media Prima Berhad that the film’s producer, Elepfilm Entertainment Sdn Bhd, had requested that screenings be stopped effective May 28.
Sarimah Ibrahim in a screengrab of Konspirasi
“An email from the producer confirmed that the company requested the termination of screenings from the stated date,” Finas said.
The agency said checks with distributors and cinema operators found that the withdrawal was initiated solely by the producer and was not due to any directive from authorities or other parties.
Contacted for comments, Finas chairperson Hans Isaac described the producer’s request to stop screening as “normal”, despite questions raised by industry observers.
“It’s normal. But we supported the film through shooting approvals, screenings, and rebates,” said the senior actor-turned-PKR politician.
‘Bitter reality’
It was noted that Elepfilm Entertainment yesterday posted a promotional trailer on its official Facebook page, despite withdrawing the film the same day.
“An email from the producer confirmed that the company requested the termination of screenings from the stated date,” Finas said.
The agency said checks with distributors and cinema operators found that the withdrawal was initiated solely by the producer and was not due to any directive from authorities or other parties.
Contacted for comments, Finas chairperson Hans Isaac described the producer’s request to stop screening as “normal”, despite questions raised by industry observers.
“It’s normal. But we supported the film through shooting approvals, screenings, and rebates,” said the senior actor-turned-PKR politician.
‘Bitter reality’
It was noted that Elepfilm Entertainment yesterday posted a promotional trailer on its official Facebook page, despite withdrawing the film the same day.
A screengrab of Konspirasi
Hans, however, declined further comments when asked whether the producer is expected to face losses from the shortened screening.
“That you have to ask the producer. At Finas, we only help ensure that all films receive the best opportunities, and Finas will always support all local producers,” he told Malaysiakini.
In its statement, Finas also said it has attempted to contact the producers to obtain further clarification on the decision, but has yet to receive a response.
However, shortly after Finas shared its statement, Elepfilm Entertainment posted a cryptic message on Instagram Story, loosely translated as, “Reality is bitter enough to swallow, let alone chew.”
‘I don’t know why this happened’
Directed by Ghaz Abu Bakar, Konspirasi was co-produced with Asia Tropical Films.
Earlier, Berita Harian quoted Ghaz as saying that he was only informed of the sudden cancellation via a text message from the film’s production company.
Hans, however, declined further comments when asked whether the producer is expected to face losses from the shortened screening.
“That you have to ask the producer. At Finas, we only help ensure that all films receive the best opportunities, and Finas will always support all local producers,” he told Malaysiakini.
In its statement, Finas also said it has attempted to contact the producers to obtain further clarification on the decision, but has yet to receive a response.
However, shortly after Finas shared its statement, Elepfilm Entertainment posted a cryptic message on Instagram Story, loosely translated as, “Reality is bitter enough to swallow, let alone chew.”
‘I don’t know why this happened’
Directed by Ghaz Abu Bakar, Konspirasi was co-produced with Asia Tropical Films.
Earlier, Berita Harian quoted Ghaz as saying that he was only informed of the sudden cancellation via a text message from the film’s production company.
Konspirasi director Ghaz Abu Bakar during the film’s premiere on May 21
“To be honest, I don’t know why this happened. I only received a text message from the production team. When I asked for the reason behind it, they didn't reply to my messages.
“As far as I know, the compulsory screening period is meant to be up to two weeks in cinemas.
“Yet, Konspirasi has only been out for a week. I am very sad, but I am trying to stay positive about the situation,” he said.
The film cast also includes Adi Putra, Hisyam Hamid, Alicia Amin, Shiqin Kamal, Roy Azman, and Esma Daniel.
“To be honest, I don’t know why this happened. I only received a text message from the production team. When I asked for the reason behind it, they didn't reply to my messages.
“As far as I know, the compulsory screening period is meant to be up to two weeks in cinemas.
“Yet, Konspirasi has only been out for a week. I am very sad, but I am trying to stay positive about the situation,” he said.
The film cast also includes Adi Putra, Hisyam Hamid, Alicia Amin, Shiqin Kamal, Roy Azman, and Esma Daniel.
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