A Muslim group has called for a ban on the blockbuster movie 'Evan Almighty', saying it is offensive to their religion.

The influential Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) said the comedy, which plays on the story of Noah's ark and features actor Morgan Freeman as God, was insulting to Islam.

"The movie refers to the big flood during the time of Prophet Noah, but this has been turned into a comedy which is insulting to Islam," secretary-general Maamor Osman told news agency Bernama.

"Featuring a human being as God in the movie is also against Islam," he added.

Sequel to 'Bruce Almighty'

'Evan Almighty' is the sequel to 'Bruce Almighty', which was initially banned from cinemas after arousing objections among conservative Muslims but it was later given the nod by the government.

Censors also approved the movie for DVD and VCD release and it has since been broadcast on television.

Other foreign movies to have been banned from public screening on religious grounds include 'Brokeback Mountain' and 'The Passion of the Christ'.

'Evan Almighty' is scheduled to be screened in Malaysian cinemas from Aug 23.

In it, Steve Carell plays a newly-elected congressman ordered by God to build an ark.