KUALA LUMPUR – The Home Ministry has banned Swatch watches containing elements of LGBTQ+, citing Section 7 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.
In a statement, the ministry said it has gazetted a prohibition order against the publication and description of Swatch Pride watches, including their boxes, wrappers, accessories, and any other material.
The ban was implemented under Section 7 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, which prohibits the product in Malaysia.
Any individual caught printing, importing, producing, publishing, selling, or being in possession of the watches may be charged with three years of imprisonment, a fine of no more than RM20,000, or both.
The charge is under Section (8)2 of the same act.
“The government is committed to preventing the spread of elements harmful to morality, public interest, and the state in the community,” the ministry said.
“A prohibition order was implemented against the publication as it harms – or may harm – morality, public interests, and the state by promoting, supporting, and normalising the LGBTQ+ movement, which is not accepted by the general public in Malaysia.”
The ministry also reiterated its commitment to maintaining safety and public order through continuous supervision and control actions towards publications in accordance with the Printing Presses and Publications Act.
This is to “eradicate” the spread of elements and movements that contravene local socio-cultural norms. – August 10, 2023