KUALA LUMPUR – The Home Ministry has banned six books that it claims could lead to “moral decline” in Malaysia.
In a statement, the ministry revealed that the bans were enforced through a government gazette under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (Act 301).
The banned books include A Million Kisses In Your Lifetime by Monica Murphy, Lose You To Find Me by Erik J. Brown, Punai by Asyraf Bakti, Scattered Showers by Rainbow Rowell, When Everything Feels Like The Movie by Raziel Reid, and What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silverra.
The ministry explained that the bans were a preventative action “before the harm is inflicted,” as the community would be exposed to content deemed unsuitable for public consumption.
The ministry also reminded that according to Act 301, individuals found printing, importing, producing, or circulating any banned publications could face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to RM20,000, or both.
“The government reiterates its commitment to enforcing regulations on printing and publications to prevent the spread of elements, beliefs, or movements that contradict local sociocultural norms, in line with the laws enforced for the preservation of societal harmony and wellbeing,” the statement added. – January 7, 2025