Earth Hour 2019 in Penang, Kedah to highlight Ulu Muda Forest Complex

GEORGE TOWN (Jan 23): The Earth Hour event this year will be held in George Town, Penang and Alor Setar, Kedah as it revolves around the importance of the Ulu Muda Forest Complex for people of the two states.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow hopes that Penangites will take the Earth Hour event as an opportunity to reconnect with nature and to understand where the state’s freshwater comes from.

Chow said Penang’s water supply from Sungai Muda might only meet the state’s water demand until 2020, due to its current trend of high water consumption.

“Last year, we (Penangites) recorded 290 litres (of water usage) per person per day, which was 76% more than the 165 litres recommended by the World Health Organisation,” he told reporters, here, yesterday.

Meanwhile, World Wide Fund (WWF) Malaysia conservation director, Henry Chan said the Ulu Muda Forest Complex not only served as a crucial water catchment area for the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia, but also home to at least 112 species of mammals, including the Asian elephant, Malayan tapir and Malayan sun bear.

Chan warned that leaving the forest vulnerable to threats would result in dire consequences for people and nature alike.

“Thus, WWF is advocating for two actions to protect this forest complex. First is to reclassify the Ulu Muda Forest Complex as a water catchment forest and secondly, for it to be established as a state park to ensure conservation of its biodiversity, and protection of the forest and its vital ecosystem,” he said.

He urged the people to step up to protect and stop the loss of nature by restoring the rich biodiversity in places such as Ulu Muda Forest Complex and create a stable future for people and nature.

The Earth Hour will take place at Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang and Aman Central Mall, Alor Setar on March 30 from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Activities lined up for Penang’s Earth Hour include a Zumba fitness workout and yoga session, while the programme in Alor Setar will include a 5km run.