Rock concert spreads environment message

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KOTA KINABALU: The Rockfest Marathon III 2012 at Padang Merdeka saw a gathering of local rockbands performing in a concert ‘for the environment’.

Starting as early as 10am, the heat did not deter the local fans from dancing along to the music dished out by their favourite bands.

Permanent secretary of the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry Datuk Michael Emban who officiated at the event, said that he was confident that event would continue to spread the awareness of the need to preserve the environment to the youth and future generation.

According to Emban, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment will support environmental education and awareness that can touch the hearts and minds of the young generation in the quest to protect and conserve the environment.

“Help them to be aware of their environment, encourage them to join and become good stewards of the environment and reaching our youths through music has always been proven effective,” he said adding that everyone has the responsibility to educate the younger generation on environmental conservation as well as to lead by example.

“From deforestation to global warming to greenhouse effect, it is our responsibility to take care of our precious mother land, SABAH. Let us make Kota Kinabalu and Sabah the most environmentally friendly city in Malaysia,” Emban stressed.

The Rockfest Marathon (RFM) III 2012-Concert For The Environment is organized by GMG Media.

During a press conference, GMG Media’s chief executive officer Dr Mahadi Harris-Murshidi, said the green concert was not merely about music but of bringing people together to fight against environmental destruction and degradation.

About 30 bands from all over Malaysia including local talents such as 4AG and The Dang Bandangs joined high profile bands -Pop Shuvit, Love Me Butch and Deja Voodoo Spells on stage at the event.

The drug-free event is basically about creating an environmentally aware generation where even children are accorded with the opportunity to learn about the environment through exhibitions collaborated by several non-governmental organisations.

It is also supported by the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, Hits.FM, ERA.FM, Malaysia Airlines, the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu and Bandwith Magazine, among others.