Home Ministry probes sales of 'obscene' novels at Selangor book fair

SHAH ALAM - The Home Ministry is looking into complaints about ‘obscene’ Malay language novels being sold at the Selangor International Book Fair (SIBF 2023) in Shah Alam.

Event director Zafrullah Aris confirmed this in a statement today.

"Complaints have been made against viral posts on social media that claimed obscene novels are being openly sold (at the event), and the ministry is now conducting investigations.

"The SIBF2023 secretariat will cooperate with the Home Ministry to monitor and check the contents (of books) that are being sold, from time to time," he said.

SIBF2023 is currently being held at the MBSA Convention Centre in Shah Alam from Dec 1 to 10.

A netizen recently reported that children and teenagers were purchasing ‘obscene’ novels at the fair, despite the fact that they were plainly designated for adult readers.

According to the Facebook user, children aged between 11 and 13 even asked their parents or guardians to purchase the books on their behalf.

The novels were reported to contain aspects that were inappropriate for children, such as rape, a relationship between people who are more than 40 years apart in age, and domestic violence.

Zafrullah reiterated that SIBF2023 aimed to cater to readers of all age groups.

"Visitors can get quality reading materials at the event, and the secretariat has taken various steps to ensure only suitable material is sold to customers.

"Continuous briefing and reminders on this are issued to everyone involved in the event, before, and during the event," he said.

He added that parents should also take heed of what their children are buying at the fair and reading.