Kuala lumpur: What may be dismissed as 'just a joke' can leave lasting consequences, prompting the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and Dream Film Sdn Bhd to use the big screen to raise awareness about bullying among school students. Co-produced by RMP and Dream Film, "Is Not A Joke" is an advocacy effort to convey the message that bullying should not be taken lightly and encourage the public to report such incidents to the authorities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar stated that bullying cases in educational institutions had increased this year, warranting serious attention from all parties. "Therefore, we decided to work together to help and take action to ensure that the element and issue of bullying do not exist at all in our country," he told reporters after the launch of the film trailer at the Police Training Centre Hall.

Kumar mentioned that the police and Dream Film also aimed to screen the film at 100 educational institutions nationwide to raise awareness, particularly among the younger generation, about the dangers of bullying.

Meanwhile, the film's director, Choong Lin Loong, explained that the idea for "Is Not A Joke" arose following the increase in bullying cases in schools, as well as the frequent use of excuses such as 'I'm joking' or 'I'm just joking' to downplay such incidents. He noted that the production was initially planned as a police action film on investment scams, following "Oppa," which was released in 2024, but the increase in bullying cases prompted a change in direction.

Choong shared that the film, which also features actual police officers, is expected to be screened by the end of this year.