SHAH ALAM - Authorities in Malaysia have seized rainbow-colored watches from the Swatch Group which were designed to celebrate the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, said the company.
The watches were part of the Swiss watchmaker's 'Pride Collection,' which aimed to promote the values of equality and diversity associated with the pride movement, Reuters reported.
Chief Executive Nick Hayek expressed his utmost dissapointment and concern.
"We strongly contest that our collection of watches using rainbow colours and having a message of peace and love could be harmful for whomever," Reuters reported.
The company further said that it would take legal action to recover the goods, said Reuters, quoting Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger.
Eventhought, LGBT have been legalised in a number of countries, nationwide, it is still illegal in some countries especially Malaysia.
LGBT is still a taboo as it go against the Islamic criminal and famly laws applicable to Muslims.
Malaysia's home ministry seized the Swatch watches during raids on May 13 and 14, it said.
Reuters further said the ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.