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PETALING JAYA: The home ministry has banned three books under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (Act 301) after stating that they contain elements which could cause moral harm.

The books are My Shadow Is Purple by Scott Stuart, Koleksi Puisi Masturbasi by Amir Hamzah Akal Ali (Benz Ali), and All That’s Left In The World by Erik J Brown.

In a statement, the ministry said the bans were gazetted on Jan 21 and Jan 22 under Section 7(1) of Act 301 as these were “undesirable publications”.

Anyone found printing, importing, selling or publishing the books can be charged under Section 8(2) of the Act. They face up to three years in prison, a maximum RM20,000 fine, or both, upon conviction.

“The government remains committed to implementing regulatory and enforcement measures … to curb elements or movements that contradict the local sociocultural fabric.

“This is important to prevent the spread of ideologies or movements that conflict with the culture and values of Malaysia’s diverse society.”