Kota Kinabalu: Streetlights in the city centre went dark for an hour at 8.30pm from Likas Bay to Tg Aru first beach in conjunction with Earth Hour 2017, Saturday.Many hotels and complexes also observed the global event that has been a yearly affair since 2011, although it was started in 2007.Speaking in conjunction with the event, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah warned that failure to look after the natural surroundings could jeopardise environment quality and would directly affect the people's wellbeing.
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He said air and water pollution, indiscriminate disposal of solid waste, uncontrolled logging and climate change can cause instability to the ecosystem.This, in turn, could lead to natural disasters like flooding, landslides, and prolonged dry spell, among others.
"Clean and quality environment are imperative to assure healthy lifestyle of the people."The public need to realise the importance of keeping the heritage of our environment because Malaysia is among countries that have high biodiversity in the world.
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"We are very fortunate to be able to breathe clean air due to our rich natural resources," he said, at the city level event at Segama Waterfront. It was jointly organised by City Hall, Hyatt Regency KK and WWF Malaysia Sabah Office.It aimed at drawing attention to raising public awareness on climate change and global.warming.
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Yong together with Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, City Hall Director -General Datuk Joannes Solidau, WWF Malaysia Head of Conservation Sabah Dr John Tay, City Police Chief ACP M.Chandra, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu General.Manager Thor Gervasi lighted 60+ candles to suppport the programme.
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Yong also flagged off over 600 cyclists participating in a decorated bicycle competition using a save energy concept to cycle for 16km starting at the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu until the roundabout near State Mosque and returning to the hotel.WWF volunteers made their own eco- candles and give them as gifts to visitors who came during the Earth Hour programme. - Hayati Dzulkifli
