PORT DICKSON - The Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) is urging educational institutions and other bodies to continue spreading awareness about the religious perspective on Valentine's Day celebrations.
Department Enforcement Division Chief Ahmad Zaki Hamzah commended recent declines in public celebrations, attributing it to educational programmes and awareness efforts.
"Explanations about it need to be continuous.
"We can't rely on just one religious department to lead the way," he said after the 'Say No to Valentine’s Day' programme held at Port Dickson Polytechnic earlier today
Zaki believed awareness campaigns have positively impacted youth understanding of the issue.
He noted a decrease in openly advertised Valentine's Day promotions and fewer Syariah-related offences during the period.
"With awareness, the offences (under Syariah Criminal Enactment) that we detect based on inspection operations carried out during February 14 are decreasing," he added.
Meanwhile, PPD General Studies Department Head, Umi Syahidah Anuari said that the organisation of the programme aims to provide exposure and understanding to students about the spread of the cultural influence of Valentine's Day, especially among teenagers.
"This programme aims to produce students who understand the true teachings of Islam and can implement all practices in daily life with more confidence.
"It is also part of the proactive steps to collaborate with the Strategic Partners between PPD and JHEAINS in strengthening missionary efforts to the entire community," she said.