Interactive Map Brings Insight into Malaysia’s Coral Reef Health

KUALA LUMPUR, 10 OCTOBER 2025 – Two dive operators in Mersing paved the way as the district’s first to achieve Green Fins Silver certification, marking a milestone in Johor’s efforts to strengthen sustainable marine tourism.

Aqua Dive Sport (left) and Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base (right) certified Green Fin dive operator in Mersing

Aqua Dive Sport, based on Pulau Aur, and Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base, located on Pulau Sibu, have both been awarded the internationally recognised certification, which promotes environmentally responsible diving and snorkelling practices.

The Green Fins programme, launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and coordinated globally by The Reef-World Foundation, is implemented in Malaysia by Reef Check Malaysia. It sets rigorous standards to help dive and snorkel operators reduce their environmental impact on coral reefs. Achieving the Silver membership level reflects a strong commitment to responsible operations, continuous improvement, and community engagement.

“This is a significant achievement for Mersing,” said Badriah Zainudin, Green Fins Assessor from Reef Check Malaysia.

“My hope is to see more dive operators in the Mersing Islands embracing sustainable practices, so that Johor can be recognised not only for its beautiful reefs but also for its leadership in marine preservation.”

“As more operators adopt Green Fins practices, we can ensure that Johor’s coral reefs continue to thrive for future generations. These collective efforts are crucial to safeguarding marine biodiversity and positioning Johor as a leading destination for sustainable tourism and marine conservation.”

The recognition comes at a timely moment as Johor prepares for Visit Johor Year 2026, with Mersing positioned as a gateway to some of Malaysia’s most biodiverse marine environments. The district government has identified sustainable tourism as a key pillar of development, ensuring natural heritage remains protected while supporting local livelihoods.

Mersing island coral reefs ecosystem

Tourists visiting the Johor Islands are encouraged to support Green Fins certified operators such as Aqua Dive Sport and Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Bas.

Visitors are also reminded to play their part by practising responsible tourism, such as avoiding damage to corals, reducing plastic waste, and respecting local communities, so that natural sites remain protected for future generations.

With these first two Silver-certified operators leading the way, Mersing is setting a benchmark for others to follow, a step forward in building a stronger, sustainable marine tourism industry for Johor.

For more information on Reef Check Malaysia, you may visit them on their website, Facebook and Instagram or contact them at hello@reefcheck.org.my.   

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KUALA LUMPUR, 18 OCTOBER 2024 – 8,569 volunteers from all around Malaysia collected 41,015kg of trash during the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) event in September 2024.

Among 388,730 items collected, the most common item found was plastic bottles at 50,785 bottles. The second and third most common items were cigarette butts at 39,584 pieces and plastic/foam pieces at 38,801 pieces.

Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) coordinates the nationwide ICC in Malaysia every year since 2018. Organizations, groups and individuals collect data during the cleanup and key in data into the Clean Swell app to contribute to the global database of cleanups by Ocean Conservancy.

Tengku Zatashah, Princess Beach Cleanup in action

Y.A.M Tengku Zatashah binti Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the princess of Selangor, who is also fondly known as ‘Princess Beach Cleanup’, also participated in this year’s ICC. “The International Coastal Cleanup is an event I look forward to every year since 2017. Participating in beach cleanups allows us to see the problem firsthand and take action to address it. I encourage everyone to do their part in keeping our oceans clean.” commented Tengku Zatashah who joined the ICC at Pantai Morib Baharu in Selangor this year.

Proud volunteers of Hapag-Lloyd Business Services Malaysia that cleaned up Pantai Batu 23

This year’s ICC was supported by Hapag-Llyod Business Services Malaysia and KPMG Malaysia. Hapag-Llyod Business Services Malaysia’s volunteers cleaned Pantai Batu 23 for ICC and collected 54.75 kg of trash. KPMG Malaysia chose to clean Pantai Remis, Kuala Selangor and collected 126.61kg of trash.

Coastal Cleanup is an event I look forward to every year since 2017. Participating in beach cleanups allows us to see the problem firsthand and take action to address it. I encourage everyone to do their part in keeping our oceans clean.” commented Tengku Zatashah who joined the ICC at Pantai Morib Baharu in Selangor this year.

KPMG volunteers cleared 126.61kg of trash from Pantai Remis

Reef Check Malaysia also held their Kod Blue: Laut Needs You event as part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC). Volunteers for Kod Blue 2024 which happened on 7 September at Kampung Air Batang, Tioman Island, collected 757.7kg of trash from the beach cleanup and 50.8kg of trash from the underwater cleanup. The underwater cleanup team also removed 62 coral predators, the Crown-of-Thorns starfish (COT).

All Kod Blue 2024 volunteers before the cleanups

“The objective of the event is to spread awareness about the issue of marine debris while bringing together the general public and the local community of Tioman Island,” said Theresa Ng, Chief Operating Officer of Reef Check Malaysia. “Kod Blue is an homage to the term used to mean ’emergency’ in the medical field, and ‘blue’ is also a nod to the ocean.”

The second event in the series featured a conservation talk by Reef Check Malaysia’s Chief Programmes Officer, Alvin Chelliah, a special ‘Action Camera Underwater Videography’ workshop by Reef Check Malaysia’s ambassador, Baki Zainal, a beach and underwater cleanup, a ‘Pasar Malam Mesra Alam’ offering local delicacies from the Tioman Island community, a glass crusher and coral block workshop, and a movie night.

Volunteers segregated trash according to types

The event was supported by sponsors including Migalabs, Diamond & Platinum, REEF, Bose, Sol Sauce Sunscreen, Akkord Scents, Nautika Scuba Centre, B&J Diving Centre, Small Towns Malaysia, Ryan’s Special Needs Care Centre, Garmin Malaysia, Cowa, MobyTek, and Nazri’s Place.

“We are grateful for our sponsors for their generous sponsorship and support for Kod Blue 2024.” commented Theresa.

“We also would like to thank our ambassadors, Sharifah Sofia and Baki Zainal, all of our volunteers including representatives from Tioman Development Authority, Department of Fisheries (DOF), Alam Flora, SWCORP ROMPIN, PERHILITAN Department, Tioman Police, SMK Tekek (Nature Lovers Club), and Malaysia Civil Defence Force for participating in our cleanup effort.” added Theresa.

A TMCG member who supported our cleanup weighed all trash collected

Every year, millions of tons of trash—including an estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic waste—flows into the ocean, impacting more than 800 marine species and even entering the food chain.

“When I first heard about Kod Blue 2024, I was excited, and I think it is a good chance to be part of conservation work with experts in the field. It was not easy to make time for this event, but I am very happy I did. I get to meet like-minded people, and I enjoy every second of the activities. I have a lot of takeaways from this event” commented Yvonne Jong, one of the underwater participants of Kod Blue 2024.

For more information on Reef Check Malaysia, you may visit them on their website, Facebook and Instagram or contact them at hello@reefcheck.org.my.

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