Malaysia's coral reefs are part of the Coral Triangle, home to over 75% of the world's coral species-but they are under threat. At Reef Check Malaysia, we work hand-in-hand with local communities to protect and restore marine ecosystems across six locations: Tioman Island, the Mersing group of islands, Mantanani Island, Redang Island, Semporna, and South of Johor. We equip local islanders with essential skills to empower them to manage and safeguard their marine resources for the future.
Marine ecosystems are a food source, providing employment for millions around the world, especially coastal communities. They are a habitat, nursery, feeding and breeding ground for marine life, and is an important carbon sink. Despite this, reefs and other connected marine ecosystems (seagrass and mangroves) face increasing threats, affecting their health and resilience; through human pressures such as pollution as well as natural threats from climate change and global warming.
We monitor coral reef health annually at about 300 sites, using the data to develop site-specific management and conservation plans. We rehabilitate recently damaged reefs, and promote environment-friendly tourism practices. We equip island communities with skills to manage their marine resources, and with alternative livelihood trainings to reduce dependency on the marine environment. We advocate for policy changes and local participation through co-management in marine parks.
We aim for resilient and healthy marine ecosystems in Malaysia, sustainably co-managed by socially-resilient local communities. We will address threats to these ecosystems and reduce community dependence on them for survival. We will establish more local conservation groups to replicate the success on Tioman Island, training more than 200 islanders with skills for marine conservation related activities. Please support our marine conservation efforts in 2025 by donating to Reef Check Malaysia.
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