You can now be jailed for wearing a Swatch Pride watch

PETALING JAYA: All Swatch products containing elements of LGBTQ+ elements have been banned, says the Home Ministry.

According to the ministry, anyone possessing banned Swatch products such as wrappers, boxes or watches could face up to three years in jail, a fine of up to RM20,000 or both, if convicted.

It said the ban is in line with provisions under Section 7 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act.

“The Malaysian government is committed to stopping the spread of elements that could be harmful to morality, as well as the interest of the public and nation, in society,” the ministry said yesterday.

It also said the Swatch products in question were banned because they were detrimental to morality, as well as public and national interests, by promoting, supporting and normalising the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) movement.

“The ministry would like to reiterate its commitment to upholding public safety and harmony by monitoring and controlling publication to curb the spread of elements, beliefs and movements that are against local socio-culture,” it added.

During raids at 11 Swatch stores in Klang Valley on May 13 and 14, ministry officials seized all the brand’s Pride Collection watches.

Several stores in Alor Setar, Kota Baru, Johor Baru, Kuching and Kuala Terengganu were raided as well but were let off with a warning.

Following this, Swatch group chief executive officer Nick Hayek Jr said their collection using rainbow colours, carried messages of peace and love and was not harmful to anyone.

Swatch Malaysia has also filed a suit at the Kuala Lumpur High Court to challenge the seizure of 172 of its watches.