Volunteers launched "Jerat Hari Valentine" programme

More than 300 volunteers between 19 to 25 years-old today joined a programme to make Muslims wary of the importance of not celebrating Valentine's Day.

The programme called "Jerat Hari Valentine" (Valentine's Day Trap) targets several locations in Kuala Lumpur, said director-general of Islamic Development Department (Jakim) Datuk Othman Mustapha.

"The young volunteers can advice and explain Valentine's Day to the Muslim community. This is the first time that Jakim is involving young people in addressing the Valentine's Day issue.

"They will target Muslim youths, parents and the community to create awareness about the importance of not celebrating Valentine's Day," he told reporters after launching the programme at Masjid As-Syakirin, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) here.

The programe involves locations around KLCC and Bukit Bintang, Masjid India, KL Sentral, Pudu Sentral and Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).

Jakim director of Family, Social and Community Division, Saimah Mokhtar hopes parents take the ban on Valentine's Day celebration seriously as it has elements of Christianity and mixed with vices forbidden by Islam.

The ban was issued at the 71st meeting of the National Fatwa Council Committee for Islamic Affairs in 2005.

Participant Siti Balqis Samsudin, 23, said the programme could help build confidence and courage to combat social ills among young people.

"The programme is also able to educate myself with knowledge to help other young people," said the university student.

Siti Wan Norain Mohammad Azman, 19, said despite feeling scared of advising others, she remained positive by lending support and aid to the programme.

Her goal was to educate young people who still do not know why Valentine's Day celebration is in conflict with Islamic teachings.