A Muslim youth group today urged the government to campaign against Valentine's Day celebrations, which it said promote immoral activities.

Nik Abduh Nik Aziz, deputy leader of the opposition PAS's youth wing, called for the broadcast of anti-Valentine’s Day advertisements to dissuade Muslims from celebrating the event on Feb 14.

In 2005, Islamic officials ruled that Valentine’s Day celebrations were incompatible with Islam because of their Christian elements, and due to certain behaviour connected with the tradition.

“Every year, we join forces with various Muslim non-government organisations to create awareness that celebrating Valentine’s Day is against Islam,” Nik Abduh said.

Malaysia prides itself on being a diverse and tolerant nation, but Islamic authorities can make and enforce some regulations over Muslims, who make up 60 percent of the country’s population.

Last year, religious authorities arrested more than 100 Muslims for celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Meanwhile the Harakahdaily reported today that PAS Youth leader Nasrudin Hassan is perplexed by a statement attributed to him by The Star , which calls for the government to carry out a campaign against Valentine's Day as it could lead to immoral activities.

Nasrudin, in an SMS to Harakahdaily, said he had never issued any statement on Valentine's Day this time, and asked when it was issued.