How does Section 7(1) of PPPA 1984 apply to sex toys?

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Section 7(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 Prohibits the Sale of Sex Toys

Section 7(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) 1984 is being used to prohibit the sale of sex toys, as these items are considered publications that can erode moral values. The Home Ministry holds broad authority under this section to ban such items, leading to recent enforcement actions including raids and seizures. In one instance, over 2,295 sex toys valued at RM70,000 were confiscated.
Broad Definition of "Publication" Encompasses Sex Toys

The PPPA defines "publications" broadly to include all written or printed matter in any form capable of suggesting words or ideas. Lawyers suggest this wide definition can be interpreted to include sex toys, thereby bringing their production and distribution under the purview of the Act. This interpretation allows for the prohibition of sex toy sales under the Act for their perceived negative impact on moral values.
Home Ministry Possesses Absolute Power to Ban Publications

Section 7(1) of the PPPA grants the Home Ministry "absolute power" to ban the printing, importation, production, reproduction, publishing, sale, issue, circulation, distribution, or possession of any publication deemed prejudicial to public order, morality, security, or likely to alarm public opinion. This discretionary power enables the Home Minister to gazette bans against various items, including those considered to be sex toys.
Recent Enforcement Actions Include Raids and Seizures

Enforcement officers from the Home Ministry have recently conducted raids targeting the sale of sex toys, investigating under both Section 292 of the Penal Code and Section 7(1) of the PPPA. These operations have resulted in significant seizures, such as over 2,295 sex toys worth RM70,000 in one multi-state operation. Other raids have seen the confiscation of 135 units in Kuching (RM10,890.50), 102 units in Penang (RM15,372), and 46 units in Perak (RM6,050).
Substantial Value of Seized Sex Toys Reported

The Home Ministry's enforcement and control division reported a substantial amount of seizures related to sex toys, with a total value of RM1.3 million confiscated throughout the previous year. This indicates a sustained effort by the ministry to curb the sale and distribution of such products within Malaysia.

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How does Section 7(1) of PPPA 1984 apply to sex toys?

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