HOME Ministry officers raided Swatch stores recently for displaying its Pride Collection timepieces, and subsequently seized the items, The Edge reported.

The operations were carried out over the May 13 and 14 weekend at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, One Utama, Sunway Pyramid, Setia City Mall, Mid Valley Megamall, Southkey, Sunway Putra Mall, Sogo KL, Queensbay Mall, Fahrenheit 88 and Suria Sabah.

Warnings were issued to KTCC (Terengganu), Aeon KB, Aman Central Kedah, City Square and Viva City Kuching.

Authorities were previously tipped off via a social media post, which associated the collection with British band Coldplay’s support for the LGBT community.

The watches are adorned with rainbow colours that signify diversity and inclusivity.

Swatch Group chief executive officer Nick Hayek was reported by the financial daily as saying he was dismayed and concerned by the seizure.

Hayek said Swatch has always been known for using its colourful and fun watches as a means to celebrate individuals from all walks of life.

“Swatch is proud of being the canvas on the wrist for all people worldwide and many artists working with us. Creativity and colours paired with Swiss-made quality is what we are loved for. We strongly contest that our collection of watches using rainbow colours and having a message of peace and love could be harmful for whomever.

“On the contrary, Swatch always promotes a positive message of joy in life. This is nothing political. We wonder how the Bahagian Penguatkuasa Dan Kawalan, Kementerian Dalam Negeri will confiscate the many beautiful natural rainbows that are showing up thousand times a year in the sky of Malaysia,” Hayek was quoted as saying. – May 22, 2023.