JOIN US IN OBSERVING EARTH HOUR 2010, SMC SAYS

SIBU (Malaysia), March 11 (Bernama) -- The Sibu Municipal Council(SMC)
wants greater participation from both the public and private sectors here in
observing the Earth Hour 2010 on March 27.

Its chairman, Tiong Thai King, said Thursday that in its debut
participation in the event last year, the public response had not been
encouraging.

"This is probably because not many were aware of it.

"I hope this year more will participate by switching off more lightings in
their premises for one hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm," he told reporters.

Tiong said the World WildLife Fund initiative was important as it helped to
raise awareness of climate change issues.

"Earth Hour 2010 will continue to be a global call to action to every
individual, business and community.

"This is a call to stand up, to take up responsibility and to get involved
and lead the way to a low-carbon future," said Tiong who is the Sibu member of
parliament.

He said that the counsil, on its part, would dim or switch off some external
lightings in its public places like gardens, the Sibu gateway and the Town
Square.

He hoped the same could be done in commercial buildings like hotels,
business complexes and offices and government departments and private dwellings.

-- BERNAMA