Protect Coral Reefs in Malaysia

Community farming was introduced to communities on Mantanani Island two years ago so that they can produce enough vegetables and fruits for local consumptions and has surplus to supply to resorts and restaurants on the island, stopping the need to import from mainland. A plot of fertile land, around 500m², was secured for the project and seeds were given to the locals.

Recently, the communities underwent several days of practical training on proper planting techniques as well as making boundaries, organic fertiliser and compost. The training was conducted by instructors from Kivatu Nature Farm PACOS Trust. It is hope that this training will improve the community farming.

In 2019, Reef Check Malaysia was approached by villagers from Air Batang, Tioman, to set up their village as Giant Clam Village. Giant clams are abundant in the reef adjacent to their village and attract many illegal giant clam collectors during low tide. In order to stop this unsustainable activity, the villagers came up with this idea to protect the giant clams, in addition to promote their village to tourist. The project is supervised by Tioman Marine Conservation Group which is a group that consists of local villagers involved in marine conservation and co-management.

Recently, making use of the spring tide, Reef Check Malaysia together with Tioman Marine Conservation went to check the juvenile ‘boring’ clams (Tridacna crocea) around Air Batang. It was promising to find many new giant clam juveniles on the reef.