A new craze is sweeping across Penang luring teenagers and adults alike with eyebrow raising titles such as Private Nurse , Perestroika Girls and Sexy Puzzle Games . Welcome to the world of animated pornography.

A check by malaysiakini revealed that these pornographic movies and computer games were easily available in shopping malls scattered across the island.

The outlets do not display these items openly but store them in a room behind the counter and the collection is brought out upon request. The discs are normally priced between RM5 and RM7, making them affordable for even school children.

It is believed that a local syndicate, with international links, was manufacturing and distributing these pornographic materials throughout the country.

According to some customers, the hi-tech pornography was not only popular for the lewd scenes but the games also allowed players 'to join in the fun'.

Discs seized

Following public complaints, especially from parents, the Penang Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Department raided several shopping malls and seized thousands of pornographic discs.

The officers estimated the street value of the haul to be somewhere in the region of RM10,000.

Initial investigations revealed that the items were supplied by a syndicate based in the Klang Valley, which was linked to an international piracy network and used 'backyard factories' to produce the discs.

The department has now pledged to be more vigilant in order to stem this menace.

"We will carry out operations to flush out the pornographic materials from the streets," stressed its deputy director Ismail Mastan.

A Veeranggan is malaysiakini 's Penang-based stringer.