PRESS STATEMENT
KOTA KINABALU (21 Sept 2011): Sabah will join thousands worldwide in advocating renewable energy through a local fun-filled event at the First Beach Café in Tanjung Aru this Saturday.
The local programme is among hundreds of Moving Planet events that will be carried out on Sept 24 in over 150 countries to mark a day for the global community to move beyond fossil fuels and to renewable energy.
Green SURF (Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future) is inviting the public to support the half day event that starts at 9am, and to use the opportunity to learn about renewable energy and to participate in drawing posters with messages that reflect our dependence on fossil fuels is damaging the environment.
The coalition of non-governmental organisations will compile the posters, and plans to display them at another event next year.
Green SURF spokesperson Cynthia Ong said it is important for the public to directly participate in sending a strong message on why there is an urgent need for more renewable energy projects to take off in Malaysia, and the world.
“We encourage the public in Sabah to engage in the renewable energy and fossil fuel conversation because it is of local and global relevance, especially at this time.
“Come to this event and draw your messages. Bring your children, bring your ideas, bring your own materials if you can, and be part of this exciting movement.
“The Government has initiated policies that push for renewable energy, and is taking positive steps and we are supporting this by initiating and mobilising a wider participation from civil society,” Ong said in a statement.
The event that ends at 1pm will also feature a solar hybrid demonstration model created by renewable energy solutions provider Adrian Lasimbang of Era Wira Sdn Bhd, a beach clean-up and a Zumba dance performance led by fitness instructor Michelle Koh.
Green SURF registered its Say YES To Renewable Energy event with 350.org, an international grassroots campaign aimed at mobilising people to bring carbon dioxide emissions back down to and below the scientifically-determined safe level of 350 parts per million (ppm), from the current 391ppm level.
Ong said Green SURF’s effort to take part in the global event is in line with the coalition’s plans to facilitate renewable energy projects in Sabah, and nationwide.
“With our wide network, we are in the position to become a movement that offers solutions. We are already spearheading exciting renewable energy projects including a Southeast Asia Clean Energy Summit in 2012,” she said.
To learn more about the event, visit the “Say YES to Renewable Energy!” page on Facebook, or email the organisers at nocoal.sabah@gmail.com. To read about 350.org’s Moving Planet, visit www.moving-planet.org.
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