Own ‘LGBTQ’ Swatch watches and face up to 3 years’ jail
Published on: Thursday, August 10, 2023
By: FMT
The home ministry was reported to have raided 11 Swatch outlets located in Pavilion KL, 1 Utama, Sunway Pyramid, Mid Valley Megamall, and Suria Sabah over the brand’s ‘Pride Collection’ between May 13 and 15. (Swatch pic)
PETALING JAYA: The home ministry has banned all Swatch products that contain any lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) elements, whether on watches, boxes or wrappers.
The ministry said the ban has been gazetted under the Printing Presses and Publications (Prohibition of Undesirable Publications) Order 2023, concerning Swatch products that are “likely to be prejudicial to morality”.
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Those who own any such products produced by Swatch could face up to three years in jail or a maximum fine of RM20,000, or both, if convicted.
In a statement, the ministry said the government remained committed to curbing the spread of elements that are detrimental to the nation’s morality and public interest.
“(The Swatch products) have been banned as they are detrimental, or possibly detrimental, to morality, public interest and national interest by promoting, supporting and normalising the LGBTQ movement, which is not accepted by the general public of Malaysia.
“The home ministry again states its commitment to ensure public safety and peace by monitoring and controlling all forms of publications to curb the spread of elements, teachings and movements that contradict the local socio-cultural setup.”
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Between May 13 and 15, the home ministry was reported to have raided 11 Swatch shops in shopping malls such as Pavilion KL, 1 Utama, Sunway Pyramid, Mid Valley Megamall and Suria Sabah over the brand’s “Pride Collection”.
Five shops at malls in Alor Setar, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu, Johor Bahru and Kuching were let off with warnings.
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Swatch Malaysia has since filed a bid at the Kuala Lumpur High Court to challenge the government’s action in seizing 172 watches.
The Swiss watchmaker claimed the seizure was illegal as the watches are not defined as a form of “publication” under the Printing Presses and Publication Act (PPPA).
Swatch Malaysia has sought a court order to compel the ministry to return the 172 watches if its judicial review bid is allowed.
It is also seeking damages, adding that it suffered a loss of RM64,795 after the officers seized the watches.
The High Court will hear Swatch Malaysia’s bid to commence the judicial review on Aug 23.
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