Lights to go off for Earth Hour in parts of country today

PETALING JAYA: It’s that time of the year when the lights go off for Earth Hour.

Parts of the country will go dark for an hour from 8.30pm today in a worldwide event to reduce carbon footprints by switching off electrical appliances and the lights.

Besides turning the switch off, many Malaysians are planning other activities to commemorate the event.

Interior designer Idzham Othman will be joining some 500 runners in a trail run along a 100km trek in Gopeng, which is expected to take 28 hours.

The 42-year-old fitness enthusiast said the race was not just an endurance test but also a reminder of humans’ symbiotic relationship with nature.

“In this run, you will be one with the elements - half of the time, in the dark.

“You need to coexist with nature to make it to the finish line,” he said.

For public relations executive V. Venoshia, 29, Earth Hour is the perfect opportunity for her to practise her candle-gazing Yoga technique.

The Trataka is a meditation technique that requires practitioners to gaze at a single point like a candle flame.

“Yoga allows me to connect with myself. This is a great opportunity for me to meditate and appreciate nature as I think of ways to do less damage to earth,” she said.

Retiree Pamela Abideen, 67, has pledged to continue reminding her family members to turn off electri- cal appliances, even to the point of annoying them.

“Any little conservation we do - be it electricity or water - can only be good for our planet and our future generations.

“The participation from businesses and Government helps, too,” she said.

In Klang Valley, several events have been lined up, including an Earth Hour Night Walk organised by WWF-Malaysia and Petaling Jaya City Council and an Earth Hour Night Cycling along the Shah AlamKemunting Highway (LKSA).

Yoga allows me to connect with myself. This is a great opportunity for me to meditate and appreciate nature and do less damage to earth.

V. Venoshia