PETALING JAYA – The Swatch saga continues today with a total ban being imposed on any LGBTQ+-themed watches by the popular watchmaker.
The Home Ministry, in a statement, announced that the ban has been gazetted under Section 7 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 Amendment (2012).
Not only are the watches listed under the gazette, but any packaging, wrapper, accessories, and all other relevant materials under Swatch’s collection related to LGBTQ+ are also part of the ban.
With regard to the ban, no one in Malaysia is permitted to print, import, produce, reproduce, sell, manufacture, distribute, circulate, or own any of these items.
Failure to comply can result in jail term of not more than three years or a fine of not more than RM20,000 or both, upon conviction.
The ministry said Malaysia is committed to preventing the spread of elements that can be detrimental to morality, public interest, and the nation.
It said the ban was issued as the watches were found to promote, support, and normalise the LGBTQ+ movement which has not been accepted by Malaysian society in general.
In May this year, Swatch outlets in the country were raided and the Home Ministry seized watches from the company’s collection allegedly linked to Pride.
Swatch later took the government to court, with the case still ongoing, to seek compensation and the return of the seized items. – The Vibes, August 10, 2023
