KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 — The public will be able to watch the Fifa World Cup 2014 final on Monday surrounded by LED bulbs and powered by solar energy at Dataran Merdeka.

Mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib said the event called “Zero Carbon KL World Cup 2014” was a first in Asia. 

Dataran Merdeka will be a carbon-free zone starting 5pm tomorrow until 5am on Monday as a measure to promote a carbon-free lifestyle. 

“Three large screens will be prepared to accommodate the crowd during the final between Germany and Argentina at 3am.

“With the crowd gathered at one place, it will be easier to promote and encourage a greener lifestyle,” he said in a press conference yesterday.

Ahmad Phesal said solar energy would be collected during the day and used to light up the venue at night. 

He said the event, a collaboration between City Hall and Masers Energy (M) Sdn Bhd, was expected to attract more than 50,000 people.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is also scheduled to attend.

As the theme for the night is carbon-free, Ahmad Phesal requested the public not to bring any plastic bags and only throw their rubbish at designated areas. 

He also said he was in talks with Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad to extend the operation hours of all public transportation during the event for the convenience of the public.

“This is a good chance to revive Dataran Merdeka as a perfect venue for big events like this,” he said. 

Masers Energy chairman and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Suhaimi Abdul said more than 60 per cent of normal energy usage would be saved during the event. 

“Through the event, the public can see the potential in clean energy,” he said.