Speech by YB Phee Boon Poh, Penang State EXCO for Environment and Welfare cum Vice-Chairman of Penang Green Counci on 14th March 2023 at Level 53, Komtar:
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
22nd April is our Earth Day, Earth Day celebration is not something new, the world has been celebrating Earth Day since 1970. In fact, everyday should be Earth Day. This year, we will continue to demonstrate our support and the State commitment in environmental protection.
There will be 2 main upcoming programs lead by Penang Green Council and partners to create awareness and remind our citizens that it is our goals and responsibilities to take care of Mother Earth, and this year we will start the celebration of Earth Day as early as March.
First event:
As one of the state agencies that perceive the value of environmental protection and sustainability, PGC is co-organising Earth Day Celebration 2023: Invest in Our Planet with JCIUP to increase public understanding of environmental problems and inspire people to take action on 25th of March. This event will be organized at Straits Quay from 4pm to 9pm. It is a family-friendly event which consists of zero waste element, environment consciousness, Circular Economy and healthy lifestyle concept activities. For example, Zero Waste Barter Trade, recycling corner, workshops, clothes swapping, yoga and other interesting activities.
As 25th of March is also known as Earth Hour, hence Straits Quay will be switching off their non-essential lights to observe global Earth Hour movement, providing a unique opportunity for the general public to come together to not only celebrate the planet, but also take part in a global movement to raise awareness of climate change and the importance of sustainability.
With the support from the sponsor and partners, we are excited to host a successful Earth Day Celebration that will leave a positive impact on our community and the planet for years to come. Join us for this meaningful double celebration and YAB Chief Minister will be gracing the event too.
Second event:
This April is a special month. As we celebrate Mother Earth, our Muslim friends will be celebrating Ramadan and Hari Raya. Therefore, to cultivate a green festivity culture, PGC in collaboration with Green Educators’ Workgroup (GREW), MBPP, and MBSP will organise a Zero Waste Vlog Challenge @ Bazaar Ramadan to encourage the public to reduce the use of disposables and single-use plastic items as well as to reduce the food waste in Ramadan bazaar in Penang by creatively recording and narrating their visits in a short video. We want to inspire our citizens to make a change by demonstrating the practice of bringing reusable containers, bottles, and recycle bags as a practical Zero Waste practise.
We will be visiting Ramadan bazaars at 4 different locations in Penang including Bayan Baru, Balik Pulau, Bayan Lepas and Juru for environmental education and awareness about the importance of waste reduction.
In short, we are calling for action from everyone to show your love to our Mother Earth. Let’s do something, take action and do not just speak. There is no planet B, it is now or never. So, we are investing our time and effort in our Mother Earth, and we are inviting everyone to join us in this movement. This is the time we rise and be the voice for our only Earth. We share the same sunlight so let’s share the same passion and commitment for a better tomorrow!
I hereby wishing everyone a Happy Earth Day and Selamat Berpuasa to our Muslim friends in advance! Thank you. Love Penang.
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