Malaysia Bans Swatch 'LGBTQ+ Watch' Ahead of Local Elections

Production, Import, Distribution, and Possession Prohibited... "Violators Face Up to 3 Years Imprisonment"

Malaysia has issued a ban on Swatch watches featuring LGBTQ+ symbols ahead of local elections. This move is seen as a response to criticism from conservative opposition parties accusing the government of neglecting Islamic principles.

According to AFP on the 11th, Malaysia's Ministry of Home Affairs announced the previous day that the production, import, distribution, and possession of Swatch watches containing LGBT elements are prohibited. Violators may face up to three years in prison and a fine of 20,000 ringgit (approximately 5.78 million KRW), and individuals can be punished even for merely wearing the watch.

The Ministry of Home Affairs stated, "The Malaysian government is committed to preventing the spread of elements that may be harmful or morally detrimental," adding, "These watches could cause harm by supporting and drawing attention to the LGBTQ+ movement, which is not accepted by the public."

In Malaysia, an Islamic country, homosexuality is a serious crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Earlier in May, Malaysian authorities seized 172 rainbow-colored watches symbolizing LGBTQ+ rights from 16 Swatch stores nationwide. Swatch filed a lawsuit against the Malaysian government last month, demanding the return of the watches and compensation for damages.

Local elections will be held on the 12th in six out of Malaysia's 13 states.