Netizens mock censored faces of pigs in M'sia edition of NY Times

KUALA LUMPUR — Two photographs of pigs in today’s (Jan 22) International New York Times were censored in the Malaysian edition of the paper, drawing derisive responses from some netizens, the local media reported.

The faces of the pigs were blacked out in the photographs that appeared on the front page and on page 19 of the newspaper. The images accompanied an article about increasing consumer demand for pasture-raised pigs due to concerns over the welfare of stall-raised pigs.

About two-thirds of Malaysia’s 28-million-strong population is Muslim. Muslims are forbidden to consume pork. Muslims who have touched pigs need to undergo ritual purification.

Home Ministry officials said the International New York Times is not on their list of publications that come under scrutiny, The Malaysian Insider news website reported. The officials denied any involvement in blackening the photographs.

A spokesman for KHL Printing, which prints the Malaysian edition of the International New York Times, said it was normal to censor certain sensitive pictures.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the spokesman said the company normally censors images deemed sensitive including nude pictures, images of smoking and pictures of firearms.

“Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country and there are certain ‘understood’ rules and regulations,” he was quoted by The Malaysian Insider as saying. He said it was not the first time that the company had censored photographs.

Lawyer and human rights activist Fadiah Nadwa Fikri wrote on Twitter: “I wonder how many Malays have had their faith swayed as a result of seeing a pig’s face. “Like cats, pigs too have the right to have their photos taken to show their cuteness.”

Another Twitter user who used the pseudonym Sarawak Update said: “What did the pigs do wrong? Bribery? Swindling the people’s money? Please explain.” User Nazri M Annuar tweeted: “Many countries have settled … the status of pigs. They can focus on other things, such as inventing game consoles or spacecraft.”

Orfeus quipped on Twitter: “The pig’s face is censored because it does not want its identity to be exposed. Privacy must be respected, even that of animals.” AGENCIES