KUALA LUMPUR – The Home Ministry has banned seven books under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, citing threats to morality and public order.
Six titles were barred for allegedly containing content that could “harm morality”, while one was banned over concerns it could disrupt public order. The prohibitions came into effect on April 15, 16 and 17, following separate government gazettes.
Love, Theoretically is a 2023 romance novel about a theoretical physicist leading a double life as a fake girlfriend which explores themes of identity, professional ambition, and romantic entanglement.
Also banned is The American Roommate Experiment (2022), a romantic comedy involving a struggling writer who ends up sharing her apartment with a charismatic Spaniard – her best friend’s cousin – sparking a slow-burn romance.
Among the locally authored titles, Darlingku Mr. Cold Mafia (2022) by ShaDhia tells the story of a young woman forced into marriage with a mafia boss, blending crime and romance in a melodramatic plot.
Kougar 2 (a sequel to the controversial Kougar), Mischievous Killer, and Tuan Ziyad: Forbidden Love are also local romance novels flagged for morality concerns, reportedly containing adult themes deemed unsuitable for general readership.
The seventh title, Suhuf Abraham, which has religious and ideological themes, was banned on separate grounds for allegedly threatening public order.
The ministry said the move is a preventive measure to curb the spread of ideologies or content that could affect national security, public peace or societal harmony.
Possession, publication or distribution of these banned materials is a criminal offence under Sections 8(1) and 8(2) of the act, punishable by fines of up to RM20,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
The Home Ministry said it will continue enforcing publication controls and urged the public to refer to its official website or the Federal Legislation Portal for updates on restricted materials.
In February, three books were banned over fears of “moral decline” – My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart, Koleksi Puisi Masturbasi by Amir Hamzah Akal Ali, also known as Benz Ali, as well as All That’s Left in the World by Erik J. Brown. – May 27, 2025