KUCHING: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) joined local authorities across Sarawak in observing ‘Earth Hour 2026’, in a fully coordinated participation among all city councils, municipal boards and district councils across the state.
The landmark event was hosted by the Sri Aman District Council at Stadium Mini Sri Aman on Saturday night (Mar 28) and was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
More than 27 local councils across the state participated simultaneously in a symbolic 60-minute blackout commencing at 8.30 pm, marking a significant milestone in Sarawak’s collective commitment to environmental stewardship.
MBKS Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, who officiated the ‘Virtual Earth Hour’ programme at Taman Sahabat, commended the coordinated spirit of local authorities statewide, describing it as a powerful precedent for environmental awareness at the national level.
As part of the programme, lights were switched off at several MBKS-managed facilities and iconic landmarks, including Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre, Kenyalang Market, Taman Sahabat, the Padungan Arch and the renowned White Cat Monument.
Wee stressed that Earth Hour was not intended to be merely a one-hour symbolic act, but rather a meaningful platform to promote lasting and sustainable energy habits among the general public.
He urged all Sarawakians to begin practising energy-saving habits at home immediately, starting with the straightforward yet impactful habit of switching off lights when they are not required.
“Not only are you saving energy, but you are also saving your own money – because you pay for electricity,” he told reporters, highlighting the tangible personal and financial benefits of conscious energy use.
He further emphasised that local authorities across the state have been actively collaborating to amplify environmental awareness through well-coordinated, state-wide initiatives.
Wee also reminded the public that even the smallest individual effort, when replicated across millions of households, holds the collective power to effect meaningful change on a global scale.
He expressed hope that the message of energy conservation would continue to resonate well beyond the night of the event, inspiring Sarawakians to adopt sustainable practices as a daily way of life.
