Swiss watchmaker Swatch has successfully challenged Malaysia’s Home Ministry over the confiscation of 172 Pride-themed watches. On Monday, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled the seizure, conducted in May 2023, to be unlawful as it was carried out without a warrant. The court has ordered the ministry to return the watches to Swatch within 14 days.
Swatch Pride-Themed Watches Were Not in Violation of Laws, Judge States
Judge Amarjeet Singh Serjit Singh emphasized that the Home Ministry only implemented its official ban on Swatch’s Pride-themed watches in August 2023, months after the raid, meaning no laws had been broken at the time of the confiscation.
Swatch Denied Compensation But Retains Legal Option
While the High Court’s decision is a win for Swatch, the company’s request for 64,795 Malaysian ringgit (approximately $14,600 CAD) in damages for losses incurred during the raid was not granted. However, Swatch retains the option to seek compensation in the future if it is determined that the watches were damaged while in the ministry’s custody.
Malaysia’s Ban on LGBTQ-Themed Merchandise Sparks Controversy
The case has drawn international attention due to Malaysia’s stringent ban on LGBTQ-themed merchandise. Under the ban, individuals found in possession of Pride-themed Swatch watches could face fines of up to 20,000 Malaysian ringgit (approximately $6,000 CAD) and imprisonment for up to three years.
