Malaysia bans ‘Despacito’ on state radio, TV due to lyrics

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia has banned “Despacito’’ on state radio and television, though it might be hard to slow the song’s record-breaking popularity. The ban applies only to government-run radio and TV outlets, not to private stations or YouTube or the music streaming services fueling the song’s success. Communications Minister Salleh Said Keruak said Thursday the song was reviewed and banned because of public complains that the lyrics are obscene.

Salleh told The Associated Press that a remix of the song featuring Justin Bieber isn’t affected.

Salleh was also quoted by local media as saying private radio stations should censor the song themselves out of sensitivity to local culture.