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KUCHING’S participation in Earth Hour 2026 is being positioned as a platform to drive lasting behavioural change, with city authorities urging residents and organisations to embrace sustainability beyond the symbolic one-hour lights-off gesture.
Lights will be switched off across key public sites from 8.30pm to 9.30pm tonight as part of the global initiative, with the Kuching South City Council coordinating efforts across municipal buildings, parks and major landmarks.
Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the event must serve as a turning point in public attitudes towards environmental responsibility rather than a once-a-year observance.
“Earth Hour is not just about turning off lights. It is about turning on our awareness, changing our mindsets, shaping habits, and taking responsibility for our environment,” he said at a press conference.
The programme, hosted by the Sri Aman District Council at the Sri Aman Mini Stadium, will see participation across a range of prominent locations, including Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre, Kenyalang Market, Taman Sahabat, the Padungan Arch and the White Cat monument.
Wee said the involvement of businesses, hotels, shopping centres, universities and corporate organisations reflects a broader shift towards shared responsibility for environmental stewardship.
“Sustainability is a collective responsibility across businesses, institutions and the community,” he said.
Support at the state level is also evident, with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian expected to join the programme virtually from Miri.
Despite consistent participation in previous years, Wee emphasised that the success of Earth Hour should not be measured competitively, but by its ability to inspire sustained energy-saving practices.
“What we want is to see a growing awareness and a sustained effort to save energy. Simple actions such as switching off unused lights can also help households reduce electricity costs,” he said.
He also urged the public to reflect on their individual roles in shaping a greener future, stressing that meaningful participation extends beyond the designated hour.
“Let us work together not just for one hour, but for lasting change. A sustainable Kuching starts with all of us,” he added.
Deputy mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili, councillors and members of the child council were also in attendance at the briefing.
Earth Hour 2026, which falls on 28 March, will see individuals, businesses and governments worldwide switch off non-essential lights for one hour, in a symbolic gesture aimed at raising awareness of climate change and environmental sustainability.
Organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature, the annual initiative goes beyond the lights-off moment, encouraging long-term changes in behaviour, energy conservation and greater commitment to sustainable living. - March 28, 2026