Wearing a rainbow-themed Swatch watch in Malaysia could result in a three-year jail term, as the government enforces a ban on Swatch Group's watches and accessories promoting LGBTQ+ rights. Authorities cite concerns about potential harm to morals. A notice issued by Malaysia's interior ministry states that possessing or dealing with such timepieces bearing "LGBT elements" could lead to imprisonment and a fine of 20,000 Malaysian ringgit ($4,362).
“The Malayasian government is committed to preventing the spread of elements that are harmful or may be harmful to morals,” said the ministry.
The ban aligns with Malaysia's "commitment" to prevent the spread of elements deemed harmful to morality and the public interest. Notably, homosexuality and same-sex relationships are criminalised in Malaysia, with punishments ranging from caning under Islamic laws to imprisonment of up to 20 years under colonial-era civil laws.
The Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs declared that Swatch products were banned due to their perceived promotion and normalisation of the LGBTQ+ movement, which conflicts with the sentiments of the Malaysian public. The ban follows a series of raids on Swatch shops in May, during which authorities confiscated 172 watches from the brand's 2023 Pride Collection, citing LGBTQ connotations.
Swatch CEO Nick Hayek Jr vehemently opposed the ban, asserting that the collection carries a message of peace and love and does not promote harm. Swatch Malaysia has challenged the government's actions in the High Court, asserting that the watches symbolise a fun and joyous expression rather than sexual activity.
"We strongly contest that our collection of watches using rainbow colours and having a message of peace and love could be harmful to whomever,” Hayek wrote, reported The Guardian citing an official statement issued by the company.