Lau (seated centre) and others show the Earth Hour 2025 Virtual Programme promotional posters after the press conference. – Photo by Peter Boon
SIBU (March 15): The Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) will host this year’s state-level Earth Hour 2025 Virtual Programme this March 22, involving 23 local councils across Sarawak, announced councillor Kevin Lau.
This marks SRDC’s first time as host, aiming to raise awareness about energy conservation and environmental protection.
Lau, who is also the organising chairman, said the virtual programme, titled “The Biggest Hour for Earth”, will be streamed live on SRDC’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067074589929 from 7pm to 10pm at the Sibu Jaya Public Library.
“For the record, the programme was initiated by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), and hosted it for quite a number of years. In 2023, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) hosted it, and last year, it was hosted by Miri City Council (MCC).
“This year’s Earth Hour 2025 will be hosted by SRDC. The main message to convey for Earth Hour, is that we hope that it’s not just Sibu, but throughout Sarawak – the public will also take the initiative to just switch off lights for one hour to support this important movement,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Also present was SRDC secretary Ng Siang Wei.
Lau revealed that the participating local councils this year include MCC, SMC, MBKS, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), Sarikei District Council, Kapit District Council, Kanowit District Council, Dalat and Mukah District Council, Meradong and Julau District Council, Matu and Daro District Council, Lubok Antu District Council, Serian District Council, Sri Aman District Council, Betong District Council, Marudi District Council, Limbang District Council, Lawas District Council, Saratok District Council, and Subis District Council.
The initiative is supported by Amcorp Sibujaya, Sarawak Sports Corporation, JCI Seduan, JCI Sibu, and JK Studio.
The highlight of the event will be the symbolic “lights off” moment from 8.30pm to 9.30pm at five locations, Lau said.
“And we invite the public to also join us and watch through our live stream. And hopefully that we are able to instill some behavioural changes to everyone, to preserve and conserve the environment.”
He added that Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian will officiate the event virtually.
As part of the Earth Hour 2025 celebrations, a video contest titled “Lights Out, Creativity On – Thai Ad Style!” will be held to engage the community in a fun and impactful way.
Participants will create 30-second videos creatively promoting Earth Hour’s message, inspired by the unique and humorous storytelling style of Thai advertisements.
The submission deadline is March 20.
Lau said the top 10 finalists will have their videos featured as part of the Earth Hour programme, with the winner announced during the event.
The first prize winner will receive RM322 and a certificate, while the first and second runners-up will win RM222 and RM122, respectively, along with certificates.
Seven consolation prizes of RM50 each, plus certificates, will also be awarded.
Meanwhile, Ng informed that the competition’s terms and conditions can be found on SRDC’s official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067074589929.
