Kota Kinabalu: It was lights out on the streets in the city as people from various backgrounds, including tourists, rallied in support of Earth Hour 2018 held here on Saturday.

Lights in buildings owned by City Hall were also switched off for an hour from 8.30pm in support of the fight against climate change.

The Earth Hour, which was also celebrated by countries across the globe, was organised by City Hall in collaboration with the Environment Action Committee Kota Kinabalu, WWF Malaysia and Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, with support from various other agencies.

"A clean environment is important to ensure the welfare of our community is maintained," said Minister in the Chief Minister's Department Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah, who is also Minister in charge of City Hall, when launching the event. Also present was Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai.

Yong said pollution, indiscriminate forest clearing and climate change would result in an imbalance in the environment and ecosystem. "This in turn will cause numerous natural disasters such as floods, landslides and dry spells, among others."

Therefore, Yong said, it is important to ensure infrastructure development goes hand in hand with environment protection.

Meanwhile, a total of 200 people, including the Mayor himself, took part in the "Earth Hour Bike Ride 2018", which was among various activities held in conjunction with the event.

Earlier, Yong, together with Yeo, performed a symbolic ceremony to light more than 60 logo candles.

Also held were sale and exhibitions of eco-friendly products as well as a "Fashion Swap." - Sherell Jeffrey