KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 -- The Home Ministry will impose a restriction and prohibit a book titled, Where Did I Come From, written by Peter Mayle, should it be found to contain elements which affect the morality and minds of the public.

Its Deputy Secretary-General (Security) Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohd Radzi said that this action was provided for under Section 7 of Subsection 1 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

"At the same time, to pacify public protests against this issue, the ministry has received the cooperation of bookshops nationwide to stop selling the publication temporarily, until studies are completed and a decision is made," he said in a statement, here today.

He added that should the contents violate Section 7 of Subsection 1 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, an order to stop the book's sale will be issued, and distributors still importing and selling the book can be charged under Section 8 of Subsection 2 of the same act.

"The offence carries a prison sentence of not more than three years, or fine of not more than RM20,000, or both," he added. -- BERNAMA