Abdul Wahap (fifth right), Saadiah (on his right) and others involved in Earth Hour 2017 hold the event banner after the press conference.
KUCHING: Kuching City North mayor Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai has appealed for all buildings to have their non-essential lights switched off during Earth Hour 2017 from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on March 25.
Abdul Wahap said the annual programme since 2013 will be held at Padang Merdeka with several activities lined up for the entire day.
“Kuching City North Commission (DBKU) is taking the initiative to organise Earth Hour for the fifth year, so the community will be aware of the need to be proactive in tackling global warming and climate change. We want people to understand that development can be done, but we must be mindful of our actions in order to conserve and preserve the environment. We will do our best in taking care of our planet for future generations,” he told a press conference yesterday.
The programme is jointly organised with Sarawak Energy Bhd, Cats FM, WWF Malaysia Sarawak, Plaza Merdeka Shopping Mall, The Waterfront Hotel and Gendaibu Club.
“Activities will start as early as 6.30am with Senam Seni BandarayaKU followed by an exhibition. There will also be a competition to construct the Earth Hour logo from recycled materials.
“In the night, there will be a Glowing Night Ride which is a 25km ride and Costume Animation Walk participated by around 50 cosplayers.
“The programme will be launched by Assistant Minister for Public Utilities (electricity and telecommunications) Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi at 8pm,” Abdul Wahap said.
He also mentioned DBKU’s Earth Hour 2017 Pledge to ‘Say No to Non-Biodegradable Bags’.
“We are encouraging the community to stop using non-biodegradable plastic bags which are harmful to the environment as they take a long time to degrade.
“We have come up with biodegradable bags that are more eco-friendly,” he said.
Also present were DBKU director Dr Saadiah Abdul Samat, DBKU principal deputy director Jumaini Haili, Plaza Merdeka Shopping Mall general manager Cheah Kheng Mun, The Waterfront Hotel general manager Alan Tang, Sarawak Energy Bhd assistant general manager Peing Tajang, WWF Malaysia Sarawak programme leader Dr Jason Hon and Cats FM head of programme Aelma Safina Zaidi.