Penang embarks on Earth Hour 2014

A 3.5-km night walk along the city’s Heritage Trail and the “I Will If You Will” pledge to plant 60 trees of four endangered species are the two highlights of Earth Hour 2014 in Penang.
The event, mooted and organized by WWF-Malaysia, is supported by the Penang State Government, through the Office of the Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation.
“This is the first time we are collaborating with the Penang State Government to engage thousands of people in Penang to participate in Earth Hour,” said the Conservation Director of WWF-Malaysia, Dr Sundari Ramakrishna.
Earth Hour is a global environmental initiative that began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2000 businesses switched off their lights for one hour from 8.30pm, to take a stand against climate change. In 2014, Earth Hour will take place on 29 March.
“We are pleased that Penang has decided to adopt this major initiative to drive greater awareness of green living among Penangites and tourists in the city on that day and beyond,” said Dr Ramakrishna. “The recent announcement on hike in electricity tariffs next year provides us with even more push to start living green seriously,” she added.
While individuals and businesses are encouraged to switch off non-essential lights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm as a symbolic gesture to mark Earth Hour, those who are more adventurous are invited to take part in the 3.5-km night walk along the Heritage Trail in Georgetown.
“The starting point is Jalan Padang Kota Lama, through Lebuh Light, Lebuh Farquhar, Lebuh Leith, Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Pantai, before joining back again to Lebuh Light and ending at Jalan Padang Kota Lama,” said the Penang State Executive Councillor of Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation, YB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow.
The State Executive Councillor has pledged to walk with the people if 1000 or more participants register for the walk. The registration fee of RM60 per person, to be paid via an online payment gateway, will entitle each participant to a “Earth Hour 60+” t-shirt and sticker, and an e-certificate of participation. The Penang Amateur Athletic Association (PAAA) serves as the technical advisor of the walk.
“As part of the Cleaner Greener Penang initiative, Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang (MPPP) will plant 60 trees of four types of endangered species, namely Anisoptera scaphula, Cratoxylum cochinchinense, Firmiana malayana and Fagrea auriculata at the Queensbay Interchange if 60 commercial buildings in Penang support Earth Hour by switching off non-essential lights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on 29 March,” said Tuan Chow.
In addition to the Penang State Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation, PAAA and MPPP, Earth Hour 2014 in Penang is also well-supported by The Rice Miller Hotel & Godowns, Western Digital Foundation and HGST, a Western Digital Company, Lions Club of Georgetown City, Lions Club of Georgetown Island and Lions Club of Penang Outreach, and YES Media LED Advertising Screen and Impress LED Advertise.
“WWF-Malaysia applauds these organizations for their interest in working together with us to expand and extend the concept of Green Living in Malaysia, leveraging on Earth Hour 2014 as the launching pad of the journey,” Dr Ramakrishna said.
Besides Penang, WWF-Malaysia is also working with other cities and towns in Malaysia to drive nationwide awareness and momentum on Green Living via the Earth Hour platform.

article link :  http://news.malaysia.msn.com/community/penang-embarks-on-earth-hour-2014-1