A Malaysian court has ruled that the government must return 172 rainbow-coloured watches it seized from Swiss watchmaker Swatch last year. The government had confiscated the watches because they featured “LGBT elements.” Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country, and can lead to up to 20 years in prison.
The court found that the seizure was unlawful. At the time the watches were taken, the government did not have a warrant, and the law banning the sale of such items was only introduced later. This meant Swatch had not broken any laws when the watches were confiscated.
Malaysia’s Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government’s legal team will review the court’s decision before deciding whether to appeal. He stressed that the government must respect the ruling to avoid being held in contempt of court.
Authorities raided Swatch stores in May 2023, but the official ban on selling the watches came only in August 2023. The watches, valued at about $14,000 (£10,700), have been ordered to be returned within 14 days but still cannot be sold due to the ongoing ban.
Swatch challenged the seizure in June 2023, arguing their product did not threaten public order or morality. The company described the Pride flag as a symbol representing all genders and races, while Malaysian authorities said the watches could promote LGBTQ+ views, which are not accepted by the general public.
Swatch claimed the confiscation harmed its reputation and business. The Swatch Group declined to comment on the court ruling.