Malaysian publisher apologises for 'Gan Ni Na' tote bag deemed 'vulgar' by consumers

Malaysian publishing company Mentor Publishing has apologised and ceased the sale of a canvas tote bag featuring two cats holding up mandarin oranges with the phrase "Gan Ni Na" (柑你拿). The three-word pun, which directly translates to "Mandarin oranges you take", sound similar to a vulgar Hokkien phrase. According to the publisher, the tote bag sparked much online chatter and was criticised by consumers from all walks of life. 

In a Facebook post, Mentor Publishing said the tote bags were deemed "unqualified" and "vulgar", causing much inconvenience to consumers and it is deeply sorry for what has transpired. 

https://www.facebook.com/MentorPublishing/posts/4317902541648661

Mentor Publishing explained that it has always been dedicated to displaying different views and voices, having maximum tolerance for creativity and content creation. Regardless of the topics being controversial or politically incorrect, the publisher said it hopes to offer readers different perspectives. 

The product was designed by The Story and Mentor Publishing found the bag "fun and cute" at that point in time and did not think anything more of it. The product has since been removed from Mentor Publishing's official sales channels and the publisher will only ship out bags to consumers who have placed orders. The tote bag retailed at RM38. A+M has reached out for a statement and the creative concept behind the design. 

Netizens' reactions on Facebook were mixed. A few of them defended Mentor Publishing, saying that some consumers clearly have no sense of humour and if they dislike the bag, they should not buy it. Another said there was no need for Mentor Publishing to apologise. Some also said that they had no prior knowledge of the tote bag but the apology piqued their interest in purchasing the bag.

Meanwhile, one user also compared the reactions towards the tote bag to the backlash that feminine hygiene brand Libresse received last year when it launched its vulva-inspired ad. "I do not think there is a need for the product to go off the shelf. If you do not think you can purchase the bag, just pass by it," the netizen said.

This is not the first time a product design has caused controversy in Malaysia. In October last year, TIMAH Whiskey released a Facebook statement after the Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) called on the government to ban the Malaysian-made whisky.

The brand's name caused a stir in the country after CAP education officer, N.V Subbarow slammed relevant authorities for permitting the item to be sold in the country. According to the New Strait Times back then, the brand name "Timah" insulted the Muslim community as it resembled a Malay and Muslim name shortened from the name, "Fatimah". Subbarow added aside from it containing alcohol, CAP could not understand "how such a brand name and image are allowed in the first place", which in his opinion, would trigger an uproar among the people, said the article. 

Meanwhile, Libresse withdrew its vulva-inspired ad campaign from various channels after receiving backlash from non-profit religious organisation YADIM Muslim Women's Council (MAYA). According to MAYA's chairperson Safinar Salleh, the campaign "clearly undermined the dignity of women and violates the norms of decency in the Malaysian society". "Displaying the vulva motif openly on clothing, packages, bags, origami and other items, is not acceptable in our culture nor allowable according to our religious values," she added previously.

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