By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 20: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) will join 21 other local government across Sarawak in switching off lights for one hour at 8.30pm this Saturday (March 22) in conjunction with International Earth Hour.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng announced that this year, the Sibu Rural District Council will host the Virtual Earth Hour 2025 event under the theme “Create the Biggest Hour on Earth”.
“This global initiative calls on everyone to contribute towards a more sustainable future for our planet.
“Kuching remains the top city in Sarawak in terms of energy savings during Earth Hour,” he said at a press conference at MBKS headquarters today.
The main Virtual Earth Hour 2025 event will take place at Sibu Jaya Public Library with Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian expected to officiate the event.
This marks the fourth year of the initiative in Sarawak, following previous events hosted by Sibu Municipal Council in 2022, MBKS in 2023, and Miri City Council in 2024.
Wee emphasised that the collaboration underscores local governments’ commitment to environmental sustainability and encourages the public to adopt eco-friendly practices.
On Saturday night, MBKS will switch off lights at council offices, parks, and public facilities for one hour.
Additionally, several private sector entities, including hotels and shopping malls under MBKS’ jurisdiction, will participate. These include Saradise, Kuching Park Hotel, Imperial Hotel, Vivacity Megamall, Aeroville Mall, Aeon Mall, Farley Mall, Swinburne University, i-CATS University College, and Ibraco Berhad.
“We invite the public to take part in this movement—whether by switching off lights at home, joining the event online, or spreading awareness. Every small action contributes to the global fight against climate change,” he said.
Wee stressed that Earth Hour is more than just turning off lights—it is about raising awareness, sparking conversations on the climate crisis, and encouraging meaningful steps toward sustainability.
“Earth Hour is an opportunity for us to come together and demonstrate that each individual can make a difference. Every effort, no matter how small, plays a role in shaping a healthier, more sustainable world,” he concluded. — DayakDaily
