Protect Coral Reefs in Malaysia

Reef Check Malaysia’s (RCM) annual Reef Check survey program is progressing well, withseveral sites in Tioman, Redang, Mersing, Sabah and Sarawak already completed. These Reef Check surveys are usually led by RCM staff, with assistance from volunteer EcoDivers, or even volunteers from the local communities we work with, other NGOs or government partners.  

Reef Check surveys use a globally standardised scientific protocol to collect valuable data that reflect the health of coral reefs. The data collected include types and abundance of reef fish, invertebrates and substrate (types of corals). During the surveys, EcoDivers also note the impact to reefs, and most recently, they record any signs of coral bleaching.

In Malaysia, Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) conducts these annual surveys in more than 300 sites across Malaysia. Our survey data is published as a report every year, made available on our website. This data reflects the changing status of coral reefs and indicate what steps can be taken by local managers to conserve them.

In our recent surveys in Mantanani Islands in Sabah, our team found that fish bombing, spearfishing and anchoring are unfortunately still common practices. Such habits can significantly impact coral reefs, and in some cases, the destruction is so severe and irreversible. We have been closely working with the local community to address these issues, by providing alternative livelihood and capacity-building programmes. These efforts are conducted to hopefully move them away from unsustainable practices and to reduce their sole dependence on jobs that impact coral reefs.

Local community members who have been trained as EcoDivers and volunteer for our surveys have witnessed first hand the health of coral reefs around their island. This will encourage them to take ownership of the coral reefs they have and work together to protect them. Our local conservation group members, such as the Tioman and Redang Marine Conservation Group (TMCG and RMCG) have been supportive and key in conducting these surveys, aside from carrying out other conservation activities.