KUALA LUMPUR: A witness in the criminal trial of Mentega Terbang film director  Khairi Anwar Jailani and producer Tan Meng Kheng testified that the film offended and hurt her feelings as a Muslim.

Yamna Ismail, 39, took to the stand in the first day of trial at the magistrate’s court here, and testified that she had lodged a police report after watching the entire film at her home around noon on Feb 26, 2023.

She said the film, based on her understanding, was about a 16-year-old girl named Aisyah who explored several religions in search of an answer to the question, "What happens when we die?"

The full-time housewife said several scenes allegedly relating to faith, reincarnation, prejudice, double standards towards Islam and comparative religion had offended her.

She said she was offended by scenes in which Aisyah appeared unbothered by eating a pau (bun) containing pork and touching a dog without valid reasons.

Yamna said a scene of Aisyah inviting her friend Suresh into a room to complete an assignment also offended her.

"I was deeply offended because this film has openly insulted, belittled, mocked and ridiculed Islam. After watching the film, I am of the opinion that it contains elements and characteristics of blasphemy against Islam. The film could lead Muslims astray in matters of faith," she said.

She said that as a Muslim, her belief is very significant to her and the contents of the movie had impacted her deeply. 

The film will be played in court before magistrate Heng Yi Min on Tuesday, followed by cross-examination by the defence.

The duo claimed trial at the Kuala Lumpur magistrate's court on Jan 17, 2024, to a charge under Section 298 of the Penal Code for intentionally wounding the religious feelings of others. 

If convicted, they face up to one year in prison, a fine, or both.

The Home Ministry banned the film on Sept 1, 2023, under the Film Censorship Act 2002.

On July 16, 2026, the Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed the filmmakers' appeal and upheld the government's ban as lawful and constitutional. 

Lawyers Zaid Malek and Mahajoth Singh represented the accused, while deputy public prosecutors Nor Azizah Aling and Nadia Izhar appeared for the prosecution.

The defence team also comprised Nandakumar S Haridas, Karl Rafiq Nadzarin and Reenajir Kaur Golen.