Malaysia Plans Hotel Checks to Squash Premarital Sex

Muslims told not to celebrate 'immoral' Valentine's Day
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 14, 2011 2:18 AM CST
Malay Muslims Crack Down on Valentine's Day
A florist prepares roses in Kuala Lumpur for those ignoring the government's warning that Valentine's Day is a "trap" for inciting "immoral behavior."   (AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin)

Happy Valentine's Day—not! That's the unlovely message Malaysian leaders are issuing to Muslims who may fall into the holiday "trap" and indulge in "immoral behavior," they warn. "Avoid the Trap" brochures urging students to avoid marking Valentine's Day have been distributed at universities, and several states are planning hotel checks to nip any premarital sex in the bud. "In reality, as well as historically, the celebration of Valentine's Day is synonymous with vice activities," warned the head of the government-run Department of Islamic Development. Muslims make up two-thirds of the nation's populations, the BBC reports. Others are free to celebrate the day unmolested by government ministers.
(More Malaysia stories.)

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