AN EARTH Hour evening in Kuala Lumpur gathered hundreds of people in support of environmental causes.
During the event at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, lights were dimmed for an hour in a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
Despite the low lighting, the square remained lively, as unplugged performances and musical showcases drew cheers from visitors.
Organised by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia, the event also featured stalls selling items made from recyclables, another move aimed at highlighting sustainable practices and green efforts.
WWF Malaysia chief executive officer Sophia Lim said since Earth Hour first took place in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, “millions of people around the world have united in what has become the biggest hour for our planet”.
She said switching off non-essential lights was simple but powerful, representing a meaningful step towards a larger commitment to care for our planet.
“Hopefully this small step will inspire more to take action to protect Earth, as the planet confronts climate change and loss of biodiversity,” she added.
According to WWF-Malaysia, reports by experts found that Earth had warmed by approximately 1.1°C since pre-industrial levels, and was on course to exceed the 1.5°C limit by 2030 set by the Paris Agreement.
“These findings underscore the critical need to limit global warming to prevent catastrophic consequences for people and nature,” it said in a statement.
Wan Syakila Wan Azmi, who was running a booth for non-profit Borneo Komrad – a school for undocumented children in Sabah – said the event provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas.
“Through this programme, I was able to meet people from diverse backgrounds and share about my cause.
“It also puts other non-profits under one roof,” she said.
Also present were Pavilion REIT deputy chief executive officer Patrick Liau, Pavilion Bukit Jalil operations general manager Andrew Teoh, WWF-Malaysia marketing and communications director Rozzana Basri and senior director of partnerships Tay Mooi Geok.
Sunway Malls Kuala Lumpur also marked the occasion, with several of the malls featuring art installations made of recyclables and upcycled materials to decorate retail spaces.
Sunway Velocity Mall marketing senior director Darren Chear Weng Yew said the artworks were meant to reflect creativity while promoting environmental awareness.
