(AFP) A Malaysian student group today called for a ban on popular television wrestling programmes, calling them a menace to national culture and children's study habits.

US-based World Wrestling Federation (WWF) matches, characterised by mock violence and scripted verbal abuse, are highly popular in Malaysia and other Asian countries where they have developed a large following.

Neighbouring Singapore has already pushed WWF shows to late-night slots after an outcry from parents. The Peninsular Malay Students Federation (GPMS) urged the Malaysian government to go further and ban the shows outright.

GPMS Secretary Syed Anuar Syed Mohamad said wrestling shows contributed to moral decadence among viewers, particularly young people and school children.

"Like Hindi films, wrestling with its accompanying violence can influence our people's culture," he said.

Hindi films have also come under fire in Muslim-dominated Malaysia for their suggestive dance scenes.

Syed Anuar said the GPMS would submit a letter on wrestling shows to the government, stating its reasons for urging the ban.

He said a random study conducted by the GPMS found that many students neglected their school work to watch wrestling.