Watch crisis in Malaysia… User will be sentenced to up to 3 years in prison

Malaysian authorities have announced that all Pride-themed Swatch products and packaging are banned, and possessing one could result in up to three years in prison.

Documents outlining the new rule were also published in the newspaper of the country that formalized the ban. The government detailed that the elements of the watch could harm morality and public interest by helping to promote, support and normalize the LGBTQ+ movement, which is not accepted by the general public in Malaysia. Same-sex relationships are also illegal in the country.

The government warned that anyone possessing offensive products could face a prison sentence of no more than three years or a 20,000 ringgit fine.

In May, law enforcement raided Swatch stores in Malaysian malls and items from the Pride collection were seized. After the raid, the Swiss watchmaker sued the Malaysian government for compensation and demanded the return of the Pride collection pieces.

Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek Jr. “We strongly oppose that our watch collection, which uses the colors of the rainbow and carries the message of peace and love, can be harmful to anyone.”