NGO questions condoms in flowers

A non-governmental organisation is against the sale of “condoms in flowers”, saying that it could entice couples into having illicit sex.

The Secretariat Against Social Ills Penang (Urusetia Menangani Gejala Sosial Pulau Pinang or Unggas) co-ordinator Nurfitri Amir Muhammad said the authorities concerned should put a stop to the sale of such products in the state.

“We totally disagree with the sale of ‘condoms in flowers’, even if it is intended to promote safe sex.

“This is simply because illicit sex, whether with the use of condoms or not, is haram (forbidden) in the eyes of Islam and several other religions,” he said.

A Malay daily recently quoted Jelutong PAS Youth division chief Mohd Faruk Abdul Rahman as saying that a few members found out about the sale of condom bouquets during Valentine’s Day.

Mohd Faruk had said that in the past, such items could only be found in foreign countries, and was surprised that it had found its way to Penang.

“When a woman gives her partner a floral bouquet with the condom inside, what is she trying to tell him?

“Is she merely teasing him or is she telling him that it is all right to have free sex?” he said.

Nurfitri said that on Valentine’s Day, about 100 Unggas activists met couples in the Esplanade, George Town and chatted with them about the need to prevent adultery.

“We approached the couples with care and explained to them that we were not enforcement officers or religious freaks.

“So, many of them were quite receptive and they listened to us,” he said.

- Lee Tong , Malaysia.