An animated series has reportedly been pulled from the airways in Malaysia after viewers complained about “LGBTQ+ content”. 

Santiago of the Seas has been temporarily suspended from airing on TV2 following several complaints about the content of an episode which was shown at 10pm on Sunday (16 November). 

The American action-adventure CGI series follows the adventures of eight-year-old pirate Santiago and his crew as they work to protect their Caribbean home.

Some viewers claimed on social media that it featured scenes linked to the LGBTQ+ community, with one Threads user saying seeing “two men kissing” had left him shocked. 

According to the Malay Mail, a spokesperson for the Public Relations Division of the Department of Broadcasting, also known as Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), has said: “Based on the content evaluation report, and the checks conducted, there were no actions or displays of affection suggesting same-sex relationships, nor any elements pointing towards such behaviour.

“However, to ensure there are no elements that could raise doubt or touch on public sensitivities, RTM [the national public broadcaster] has halted the broadcast to conduct a more detailed review of the series”. 

Mohd Nor Hamzah, a member of Islamist party PAS, said: “The subtle promotion of LGBTQ+ ideologies through children’s cartoons poses a serious threat to the moral fabric of our society. It is vital for the government to scrutinise foreign media content before it reaches our children, as these influences are becoming increasingly difficult to detect. 

“The government should prioritise local animation that reflects our culture and values, rather than allowing harmful foreign influences to infiltrate our children’s minds.”  

Homosexuality has been illegal in Malaysia since the 1800s and is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine and caning. Censorship is commonplace and state-enforced, using clauses from the 1984 Printing Presses and Publications Act. Films, TV and media containing LGBTQ+ themes are strictly prohibited.

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