UniSZA Removes Controversial Clinic Advertisement Following Public Backlash
The university says the banner was taken down within hours of being installed after it sparked criticism over its suggestive wording and use of the institution’s logo.
- UniSZA swiftly removed a controversial clinic advertisement featuring suggestive wording and the university's logo after public backlash.
- The banner, displayed for less than five hours, was managed by a UniSZA subsidiary and went viral on social media.
- The university stated it takes seriously any promotional content misusing its name and will uphold appropriate standards going forward.
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Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) has moved swiftly to remove a controversial clinic advertisement that drew criticism on social media over its suggestive wording and the use of the university’s logo.
The banner, promoting UMC Medical Clinic, went viral after photos of it were shared online, with many Malaysians questioning whether its sexually suggestive message was appropriate for public display.
Featuring the phrase, “Sayang… kenapa keras sangat ni? Dulu bukan macam ni. Wow!”, the advertisement was displayed on a roadside bunting in Kuala Terengganu and accompanied by a smiling male model.
The inclusion of UniSZA’s logo further fuelled public attention, with some netizens expressing disbelief that a public university’s branding appeared on the promotional material.
Others questioned the judgement behind the advertisement, arguing that the wording was inappropriate for children and unsuitable for display in a public space.
The photos, which were widely circulated on Facebook, also prompted humorous reactions, with some users jokingly asking who the man in the advertisement was supposedly talking to.
Responding to the controversy, UniSZA vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Fadzli Adam said the university had taken immediate action after the issue surfaced on July 13, reported Harian Metro.
He said the banner, managed by UniSZA Medical Services Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of UniSZA Holdings Sdn Bhd (UHSB), was removed on the same day it was installed and had been displayed for less than five hours.
According to Fadzli, the university viewed the matter seriously after it became apparent that the advertisement had caused confusion and discomfort among members of the public.
“UniSZA does not take lightly any issue involving communication materials or promotional content that uses the university’s name and image. Immediate action was taken as soon as the matter came to our attention,” he said.
The university added that it remains committed to ensuring that all promotional materials associated with its brand uphold appropriate standards and reflect the institution’s values.
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