Predominantly Muslim Malaysia today banned the sale of a children’s sex education book written by a British author, saying its contents “could threaten moral values”.

It had yesterday ordered bookstores to suspend sales of ‘ Where did I come from ?’ by Peter Mayle, pending further investigations.

NONE The 44-page illustrated book published in 1984 aims to help parents explain to children such topics as sex, conception and birth.

The Home Ministry said in a statement that the book was deemed harmful to society after critics complained it contained graphic illustrations.

“The Home Ministry today has decided to ban the book... because it contained elements which could threaten moral values and is offensive to the public,” Abdul Rahim Mohamad Radzi, deputy secretary-general of security, said.

Abdul Rahim warned that those who breached the order risked being jailed for up to three years.

Malaysia regularly bans publications, especially those touching on sex and religion.

Last November officials banned a book that offered sex tips to Muslim women.

Sex and sexuality are seen as taboo in Malaysia, while authorities are also on the lookout for interpretations of Islam that they consider stray from the mainstream.

- AFP