Sarawak local councils unite for joint virtual Earth Hour 2025

The MBKS building with its lights off during the Earth Hour 2025 programme tonight. – Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING (March 22): The Kuching South City Council (MBKS), along with 25 local authorities across Sarawak, simultaneously switched off their lights tonight in observance of the Joint Virtual Earth Hour 2025 programme.

While MBKS participated via video conference, the main event was hosted by the Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC).

Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng emphasised that Earth Hour serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility toward environmental sustainability.

“Our communities are working together to protect the future of our city, our state, our country, and our planet.

“From recycling waste to reducing electricity consumption, we are all committed to making the world a better place by adopting eco-friendly practices in our daily lives.

“Today, we are demonstrating how small actions can make a big difference, and how individuals can come together to drive collective change,” he said.

The MBKS building with its lights on before the start of the Earth Hour 2025 programme tonight. – Photo by Chimon Upon

Wee added that Earth Hour is observed annually worldwide to raise awareness of climate change.

As part of this initiative, cities turn off their lights for an hour at a designated time, symbolising the need for environmental protection through reduced energy consumption.

“Here in Kuching, we have participated in Earth Hour for several years,” he noted.

During his speech delivered via video conference in Sibu, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian encouraged the newly established Gedong District Council to prepare for its participation in next year’s programme.

Dr Sim also announced that the Sri Aman District Council will serve as the official host of Earth Hour 2026.

“I trust that they will carry forward this initiative with the same dedication and commitment as SRDC, ensuring that next year’s event reaches even greater heights,” he said in his text speech read by Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Michael Tiang.