While their non-Muslim counterparts were celebrating Valentine’s Day yesterday, a group of 10 Muslim-based NGOs in Penang, armed with free tudung (woman’s scarf) set out to fight the growing influence of “free sex and decay among youths” in the community.

The group, calling itself Gerakan Menutup Aurat Antarabangsa, launched an annual campaign by going to the ground to educate the public about fine Muslim values in Bagan Ajam (Butterworth) and Queensbay (Penang island).

The two areas are usually visited by a young Muslim crowd, especially at night and during weekends.

“Tutup aurat” requires Muslims not to expose parts of their body which Islam rules as “not fit for public viewing”.

The campaign, they said, came out of the need to instill strong Islamic values in Muslim youths who are currently facing a conflict of identity.

NONE At a press conference held in Kepala Batas, the women’s chief of Masjid Al-Taqwa, Mardziah Zakaria, said the campaign was being launched in other countries as well, including Indonesia, Thailand, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Macau.

Mardziah said Feb 14 had been chosen for the yearly campaign because of pergaulan bebas (free mixing of the sexes) among youths on Valentine’s Day.

“This is also a symbolic way to fight against the commercialisation of our Muslim youths’ akhlak (moral behaviour),” added the committee member of the Muslimah Movement Society.

“They are being influenced by advertisements of free mixing of the sexes and love without limits.”

Mardziah said the group respected the origin of Valentine’s Day, when an Italian priest is honoured for promoting the concept of love.

However, Muslims are prohibited from celebrating the event, she added, as it has elements of other religious teachings.

Reaching out to youths via Facebook

She urged all Muslims to support the movement’s cause, saying that getting Muslims youths not to expose themselves was a continuous effort.

“Covering oneself properly is compulsory for all Muslims, if they do it, the community will be more harmonious, and there will be feelings of mutual respect for one another, and for their families, too,” she said.

malay muslim girl students tudung “The youths can then become a model for the development of a civilised Muslim nation,” she added.

Since it began its campaign in Penang on Feb 11, the group has signed up more than 500 volunteers and issued hundreds of free tudung to the public.

During the event, the group’s representatives gave religious talks at forums and disseminated their campaign information and activities via the social media.

Pertubuhan Menangani Gejala Sosial Malaysia secretary Asti Toba said the group has also been reaching out to youths via Facebook .

Asti said the group is targeting students, university and college graduates, teachers and young working adults.

The group appreciated the support given by several mainstream media towards their efforts to educate youths on Muslim values.

“We do not touch on sensitive issues, our main target is to get youths to tutup aurat .

“This campaign has received much support in cities other than Penang, for example, in Kedah and Shah Alam.

“In fact, Muslims in 50 districts in Indonesia, including Jakarta, are gathering to launch the campaign together with us,” Asti added.