Malaysian band says LGBT can 'go die' and people are supporting them

This Malaysian band's new track is trending, but it's for all the wrong reasons.

Pop-punk band Bunkface ignited a social media maelstrom when they dropped a single on Feb 26 featuring the questionable line: "LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) boleh pergi mampus", which translates to "LGBT can go die".

The anti-LGBT line is featured on the trio's new Malay language single Akhir Zaman, which translates to End Of Times.

The band, whose hits include Situasi, Silly Lily, and Prom Queen, was quickly hit with a wave of backlash as soon as they released Akhir Zaman.

Many slammed the song's lyrics and condemned the band for inciting hate and violence towards the LGBT community.

Some urged netizens to report the band's music video for offensive content in an effort to get it taken down from YouTube.

Others pointed out the irony of the band's homophobia when they shot to fame with the song Situasi, which spoke out against discrimination.

But Bunkface's lyrics also received a swell of support from some fans, who took to social media to echo the band's anti-LGBT sentiments.

While Malaysian LGBT activist groups, such as Justice for Sisters and online publication Queer Lapis, have been advocating for the community, the country remains conservative.

Just last November, four men in Kuala Lumpur were caned for gay sex. They were convicted of "intercourse against the order of nature", an offence under syariah law.

The band, which was nominated for Best Southeast Asia Act at the 2016 MTV Europe Music Awards, has not commented on the controversy.

However, Bunkface's management told reporters that lead vocalist Shamsul Anuar, also known as Sam, would address the matter at an upcoming gig on April 4.

kimberlylim@asiaone.com