Malaysia bans UK sex education book

Malaysia has banned a nearly 30-year-old sex education book written by a British author after complaints by Muslim activists that it is obscene.

The home ministry said Peter Mayle's Where Did I Come From? contains "elements that undermine societal morals and public interests".

The book contains cartoons that narrate the reproductive process. It was first published in 1973 and is listed on some international book websites as being intended for children aged four to eight.

Members of the youth wing of Malaysia's ruling party who recently noticed it at a bookstore complained last week.

The home ministry said in a statement that people caught distributing the book could be jailed for three years.