By Patricia Keamo, EMTV Cadet Journalist – Port Moresby
On the 9th of January 2019, news of the confiscation of sex enhancement products from an individual, by the Papua New Guinea Censorship Office’s Enforcement and Compliance Officials was published on their official Facebook page. At the time, a spot fine of K1000, with a verbal warning was issued to the individual.
This has since sparked debate from the public on the penalty fine for being in possession of these products as well as the lack of awareness on illegal materials and publication.
Today, Chief Censor, Steven Mala, reiterated that any forms of sex enhancement products are not allowed in the country. Mala says it is quite difficult for PNG Customs Service to keep track and check for these products because of the improved technology today – with a significant number of people ordering these products online.
Whilst not providing exact figures, the Chief Censor says there have been quite a number of arrests for people in possession of similar products.
The current Censorship Act on Classification of Publication states that a person found guilty for being in possession of these objects or products will be charged with a fine of one thousand kina or six months imprisonment.
There is wide public sentiment that the existing fine is too lenient.
However, Mala says that it is within the censorship act that offenders are fined accordingly.
Mala also added that the board has been working to review the current censorship act on Classification of Publication. If and when this is presented, and passed by parliament, fine levels and imprisonment terms will increase.
