SHAH ALAM: Selangor will hold an Earth Hour campaign on Saturday, which will see non-essential lights and electronic appliances switched off for one hour from 8.30 pm.

State Tourism and Environment Committee chairman Hee Loy Sian said the campaign, aimed at inculcating awareness on sustainable living and the impact of climate change, would involve office buildings, business premises and houses.

"The state government plans to make this Earth Hour campaign an annual affair," he said in a statement today.

He invited the people in Selangor to join in the campaign so that they could be part of global efforts to protect the environment and create a more sustainable world.

However, he stressed that for the sake of public safety, the campaign would not involve a total blackout as only exterior lamps, non-functional lighting and non-essential electronic appliances would be switched off during that period.

"Security lamps need to be switched on according to the needs of the respective buildings in the interest of public safety," he added.

Hee said the state government had directed all its departments and agencies as well as local authorities to participate in the campaign.

The private sector and other organisations were also encouraged to participate, he added.

-- BERNAMA