KUALA LUMPUR: More than 300 volunteers aged 19 to 25 have joined the Jerat Hari Valentine (Valentine's Day Trap) programme. The programme targets several locations in Kuala Lumpur, said Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha. "The young volunteers can advice and explain Valentine's Day to the Muslims. 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 here. The programe involves locations around KLCC and Bukit Bintang, Masjid India, KL Sentral, Pudu Sentral and Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC). 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. Siti Wan Norain Mohammad Azman, 19, said her aim was to educate young people who still do not know why Valentine's Day celebration is in conflict with Islamic teachings. - Bernama
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