Islamic morality police in Malaysia have arrested more than 80 Muslims in an operation to prevent them from celebrating Valentine's Day. Officers raided budget hotels in Selangor state and Kuala Lumpur, detaining unmarried Muslim couples who were sharing rooms.
The religious authorities say Valentine's Day is synonymous with immoral activities. Those arrested could face up to two years in prison if convicted. The anti-Valentine's Day campaign dates back to a fatwa issued in 2005.
On Monday evening, enforcement officers launched coordinated raids targeting budget hotels and public parks. In Selangor alone, 80 people were detained for khalwat, an Islamic law that prevents unmarried Muslims from being alone with someone of the opposite sex. In Kuala Lumpur, 16 mainly teenage Muslims were detained after paying about 50 ringgit (£9) for a hotel room for two hours.
The raids stem from a campaign called 'Mind the Valentine's Day Trap,' launched by the Department of Islamic Development, which stated that Valentine's Day is 'synonymous with vice activities' and contravenes Islamic teachings. Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin also labelled the celebration as 'not suitable' for Muslims.
Other faiths were not affected by the boycott in a country where Muslims make up nearly two-thirds of the 28 million population. However, not all Malaysian Muslims agreed with the campaign, with some saying Valentine's Day is harmless. Human rights groups argue that such actions harm Malaysia's image as a moderate and progressive Muslim-majority state.
