The books are “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.

Checks found that at least three of the books contain LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) themes or characters.

The ministry said the ban was gazetted on Dec 19, 2024, under Section 7(1) of Act 301 for “undesirable publications”.

Anyone found printing, importing, selling or publishing the books in any way could be charged under Section 8(2) of the Act, and face up to three years in prison, a maximum RM20,000 fine, or both, upon conviction.

“The government reiterates its comment on implementing regulatory and enforcement measures involving printing presses and publications, especially to curb the spread of elements or movements that contradict the local sociocultural fabric,” the ministry said in a statement.