In a statement today, the ministry said the prohibition order was issued under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

The seven books include “Love, Theoretically” by Ali Hazelwood, “Tuan Ziyad: Forbidden Love” by Bellesa, “Darlingku Mr Cold Mafia” by Nur Firsha Nadia Noor Kusairi, “Mischievous Killer” by Aira Syuhairah Noradzan, “Kougar 2” by Shaz Johar, and “The American Roommate Experiment” by Elena Armas.

The ministry said these books were banned as threats to morality.

It said another book, “Suhuf Abraham”, was banned as a threat to public order.

The ministry said the prohibition order was a control and preventive mechanism taken before any threat or harm occurs.

“Under Section 7(1) of the Act, the printing, importation, production, reproduction, publication, sale, issuance, circulation, distribution or possession of all listed publications is strictly prohibited.

“Upon conviction, one can be jailed for up to three years, fined not more than RM20,000, or both,” it said.