KUALA LUMPUR – The Home Ministry has banned three more books that it claims could lead to “moral decline” among the public, a month after it previously banned six publications due to the same reasoning.
In a statement today, the ministry said the ban against the three books was also enforced through government gazettes, which came into effect on January 21 and 22, under the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) 1984.
The now-banned books are My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart, Koleksi Puisi Masturbasi by Amir Hamzah Akal Ali, also known as Benz Ali as well as All That’s Left in the World by Erik J. Brown.
Checks by Scoop found that My Shadow Is Purple is a children’s book about gender identity and self-acceptance. The book follows a child whose shadow is neither blue nor pink but purple, symbolising non-conformity with traditional gender norms.
Koleksi Puisi Masturbasi, meanwhile, is a provocative poetry collection written in a raw and unfiltered style that challenges societal norms, particularly in Malaysia’s landscape, while blending personal reflections as well as social and political critiques.
All That’s Left in the World is a post-apocalyptic young adult novel featuring an LGBTQ romance, following two boys who navigate survival and their growing connection after a deadly pandemic devastates the world.
The ministry explained that the prohibition order under the PPPA is a form of preventive action before a “threat or harm” occurs, adding that the measure will also ensure that the public is made aware of the potential drawbacks from “undesirable and unsuitable” reading materials.
It also reminded that under Section 8(2) of the PPPA, individuals found printing, importing, producing, or circulating any banned publications could face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to RM20,000, or both.
“The Home Ministry carries out ongoing responsibilities to maintain public safety and order, including by controlling and enforcing regulations on printing presses and publications in the nation.
“This is important to avoid the spread of ideologies or movements contrary to the culture and values of the plural Malaysian society,” it added.
On January 7, the ministry banned six books: 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.
Five of the six books are young adult fiction, with three of them on gay romances. Punai is the only book authored by a Malaysian. – February 8, 2025