This study observed Malaysian media professionals’ perceptions towards
various media and advertising restrictions. To determine what was considered
the main cause of restrictions the respondents were presented
with questions relating to various media, controversial products and potential
image, societal and government restrictions. It was found that all
the media presented were developed, although certain products could not
be legally advertised, except for the Internet where there were no restrictions.
As for the various good and services which could be considered
controversial when advertised, six of the 17 products were classified as
being products which cannot be legally advertised: Racially Extremist
Groups, Guns and Armaments, Gambling, Religious Denominations, Political
Parties, and Funeral Services. The other products were perceived to
be able to advertise with limitations, with three seen as being free of restrictions:
Sexual Diseases (AIDS, STD Prevention), Charities, and
Weight Loss Programs