Coral reefs are vital ecosystems that support marine biodiversity, food security, livelihoods, and coastal protection for millions of people worldwide. Despite their ecological and economic importance, reefs are increasingly threatened by local pressures and climate change, leading to more frequent coral bleaching events.

Coral bleaching occurs when corals lose their colour and turn white. This happens when the tiny algae living within them, which provide both colour and energy, are expelled.

The loss is typically triggered by stress factors such as rising sea temperatures, pollution, or excessive exposure to sunlight.

The MBRP forms part of a broader, long-term effort to strengthen the resilience or “survivability” of Malaysia’s coral reefs, in alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The goal of MBRP is to manage threats so reefs are better equipped to withstand future bleaching events and other global pressures.

Central to this effort is the urgent need for strong collaboration among all stakeholders, including reef managers, government agencies, local communities, tourism operators, and non-governmental organisations.

We recognise that different islands have unique needs. That is why we have developed the Island-based Bleaching Response Plans for several locations, including Tioman, Redang, the Mersing group of islands, and selected islands in Sabah.

These island-based plans were developed through extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders and local communities, and are tailored to the specific needs of each island.

If you are interested in accessing an Island-based Bleaching Response Plan, please contact the respective island representatives below:

While there isn’t much that we can do when corals are bleaching, you can still help support our vulnerable reefs.

1. Report coral bleaching to us at bleaching@reefcheck.org.my

2. Spread awareness on coral bleaching. You can find some materials to help you here: https://tr.ee/coral-bleaching-cepa