KUALA LUMPUR, 31 OCTOBER 2025 – 24 local islanders from Redang and Perhentian Islands were trained under a programme aimed at building the capacity of island communities to monitor marine biodiversity and co-manage marine ecosystems. This capacity-building initiative seeks to strengthen long-term social, economic, and climate resilience.
The three-year programme was funded under the Hasanah Special Grant by Yayasan Hasanah and the Ministry of Finance and implemented by Reef Check Malaysia, in partnership with Fuze Ecoteer, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), and the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DoF).
A series of hands-on conservation trainings were conducted, covering activities such as reef monitoring, ghost net removal, and bleaching watch. Both theoretical and practical sessions were included, and trainees also visited Tioman Island to learn from and witness the achievements of the Tioman Marine Conservation Group (TMCG) — pioneers of this model programme.
Through this project, training modules on reef rehabilitation, coral reef ecology, crown-of-thorns management, coral bleaching, ghost net removal, and mooring buoy installation were developed. These community-based modules were compiled and published as a book in the local language, now available on Reef Check Malaysia’s website.
“The 24 selected local youths from Perhentian and Redang Islands gained hands-on training in internationally recognized reef monitoring protocols (Reef Check) and marine biodiversity survey methods. This empowered them with scientific knowledge, practical conservation skills, and leadership experience,” said Alvin Chelliah, Chief Programmes Officer of Reef Check Malaysia.
RMCG members removed ghostnets from the ocean
“Some went on to train others, becoming local champions of marine conservation and contributing data to national and global monitoring networks. Their involvement also opened pathways for future employment, collaboration, and recognition in environmental stewardship,” Chelliah added.
The programme also introduced the ‘Adopt SeKarang’ initiative to attract donors to fund coral rehabilitation efforts — creating new funding opportunities and instilling community pride in reef restoration.
RMCG doing coral maintenance at the rehab site.
“This project enhanced ecosystem resilience and laid the groundwork for sustainable marine resource management,” Chelliah said.
Regular biodiversity monitoring provided critical data to assess reef health, detect threats such as crown-of-thorns outbreaks and ghost nets, and guide targeted interventions. Reef rehabilitation activities helped restore degraded habitats, while the development of standardized guidelines ensured more coordinated and effective conservation efforts.
The project also fostered a culture of environmental responsibility and resilience among island communities. Through capacity-building workshops, educational materials, and annual conservation programmes, community members became more aware of marine threats and better equipped to address them.
Hazim Hassan, a local islander who is a member of RMCG
“I am very proud to be part of RMCG. Since joining the group, I’ve had the opportunity to visit many places and learn about marine life in various locations,” said Hazim Hassan, a member of the Redang Marine Conservation Group (RMCG).
“Beyond gaining knowledge, I also feel very happy to be able to contribute to the protection of Redang Island through conservation work. It has truly been a memorable experience,” he added.
This year, the local CMCGs led over 50 conservation activities independently, strengthening social cohesion and local governance.
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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