In a statement today, it said the prohibition order was issued in accordance with provisions under Section 7(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (Amended 2012), through Government Gazette PU (A) 24, 25 and 26, dated Jan 20, 2023.

This order stipulates that printing, importing, producing, reproducing, publishing, selling, circulating, distributing or owning these publications was strictly prohibited in Malaysia.

Those convicted of the offence can be imprisoned for up to three years or fined up to RM20,000 or both.

All three publications have content that may harm the public’s morals, the ministry stated.

“The publication ‘Aku’ was found to have obscene and immoral content that could influence personal behaviour and is against the values of decency in Malaysian society.”

“The Tale of Steven” and “Jacob’s Room To Choose” were deemed to promote an LGBT lifestyle, which is “seen as a threat to the noble values taught by religion and eastern society”.

The ministry said the government was committed to preventing the spread of elements deemed harmful to the morals of the community.