KUALA LUMPUR – Individuals caught selling or possessing the banned ‘When I Was a Kid 3’ graphic novel by author Boey could face jail time and a hefty fine.
The Home Ministry said this was in line with Section 7(1) of the Printing Press and Publications Act 1984, which prohibits the printing, importing, producing, publishing, selling, or being in possession of the novel, under any circumstances.
Citing Section 8(2) of the same act, any individual caught committing any of the offences may be charged with a fine of no more than RM20,000, three years of imprisonment, or both.
“The government states its continuous commitment in implementing measures to control publishments, especially to prevent the spread of elements, beliefs, and movements, that conflict with local socio-culture,” the ministry said in a statement today.
“In this case, it was subjected to the Prohibition Order because it is the result of a publication that is harmful – or may be harmful – to morality, public and national interests by causing concern among the community.”
The ban in Malaysia was stated in a federal gazette published by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) on September 25 under the Printing Presses and Publications (Control of Undesirable Publications) (No.4) Order 2023.
The ministry also reiterated its commitment to maintaining safety and public order through continuous supervision and control actions towards publications in accordance with the Printing Presses and Publications Act.
The ban came following protests from an Indonesian non-governmental organisation over the book’s depiction of allegedly unfair criticism against an Indonesian domestic worker employed in Malaysia.
In June, it was reported that dozens of protestors from a group named Corong Rakyat had gathered outside the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta, demanding the authorities stop the print and sale of the graphic novel in Malaysia, as well as investigate the author’s motive behind the story.
Subsequently, Boey, whose real name is Cheeming Boey, described the ministry’s decision to ban the novel as “unfortunate“.
He said that despite writing the book with “pure” intentions, there would be a chance that it could offend others.
However, the government’s decision to ban the novel was lauded by Indonesia. – October 3, 2023