Summer 2017 can really be defined in just one word: Despacito. The world can't get enough of Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's original hit song and its remix featuring Justin Bieber ... except for one country.
Malaysia has officially banned the record breaking song from state radio and TV channels. The decision comes days after the song set a global streaming record, garnering more than 4.6 billion plays across all streaming platforms since its release in January.
The ban came about after officials at the state-owned broadcaster RTM received complaints from the public regarding the "sexually explicit" song lyrics.
"The song was filled with numerous sexual references and innuendos and thus wholly inappropriate to be aired by our national media outlets for our general public, especially children," Salleh Said Keruak, communications minister, told CNNMoney.
Keruak emphasized that privately-owned radio stations are "encouraged to practice self-censorship," according to the BBC.
Prior to the official decision to ban the song, Parti Amanah Negara, Malaysia's opposition Islamic party, called on the government to censor the song.
Atriza Umar, chairwoman of the party's women's wing, compared the song lyrics to "porn" adding that it is unsuitable for young children.
She also said that its content could lead to increased corruption in the country.
"They have to be strict in their role in such issues which could corrupt morals in this country," she said, according to The Sun Daily.
Despacito literally means "slowly" ... and for those who need a reminder (probably not many), here's an excerpt from the song
Got me feelin' some kind of way
Make me wanna savor every moment slowly, slowly
You fit me tailor-made, love how you put it on
Got the only key, know how to turn it on
The way you nibble on my ear, the only words I wanna hear
Baby, take it slow so we can last long