From the early days of Malay film and television in the 1960s, many shows and soap operas have been produced and aired throughout Malaysia and Singapore. Despite its consistent popularity among Malay communities, its storytelling regarding female characters have remained stagnant, carrying over problematic tropes and stereotypes, such as the 'damsel in distress', the 'jealous female lover' or the 'faithless young woman seeking God’s guidance'. These tropes tend to perpetuate harmful themes of misogyny and sexism through the series’ development or the film’s storyline.

This dissertation aims to pinpoint the issues that arise in writing, producing and critiquing these films through observational data and analysis of various films released in three separate decades – from the 1960s to the early aughts. This dissertation concludes with solutions for each stage of film production to combat the harmful stereotypes being broadcasted through this form of media. It reiterates that inclusive creative decisions by future filmmakers, writers and directors can help remove misogynistic, sexist and conservative rhetoric within this cultural space and industry.