In a statement, the company said the decision was made after taking into account “various factors in light of the current circumstances”.

“The decision was made internally by the management and was not driven by publicity purposes or a marketing strategy. No external party influenced the decision,” it said.

Elepfilm Entertainment urged all parties to refrain from making speculations, assumptions, or spreading unverified information.

“We appreciate all the feedback, support, and views expressed by various parties regarding the screening of Konspirasi. We also hope audiences will continue to support the creative talents involved in the film as well as the local film industry as a whole.”

Yesterday, Elepfilm Entertainment said the movie will continue to be screened in Singapore and other countries but will no longer be shown in Malaysian cinemas effective May 28 due to unavoidable circumstances.

Netizens subsequently sought a fuller explanation from the company.

On Thursday, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) said the screening of the film in local cinemas was halted at the producer’s request.

Finas said it was informed of the matter by the Malaysian Association of Film Exhibitors and Media Prima Bhd, the film distributor handling arrangements with cinema exhibitors.

It also confirmed that the movie was cleared by the Film Censorship Board before being approved under the compulsory screening scheme on May 14.

“Konspirasi” began screening on May 21 on 120 cinema screens nationwide.

The movie was directed by Ghaz Abu Bakar, and stars Sarimah Ibrahim, Adi Putra, Hisyam Hamid, Alicia Amin, Shiqin Kamal, Roy Azman and Esma Daniel.

The film highlights corruption, leaks of classified information, and the operations of national enforcement agencies.