Preserving Malaysia's Marine Heritage

Join Us in Safeguarding Coral Reefs

Discover how Reef Check Malaysia is leading the charge in marine conservation through community-driven initiatives and scientific research.

Our Mission and Vision

Reef Check Malaysia is committed to the protection and sustainable management of Malaysia’s coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Since our inception in 2007, we have been at the forefront of marine conservation efforts, working tirelessly to engage communities, protecting our reefs, and promoting education and awareness. Our mission is to bring together stakeholders to collaborate on marine ecosystem monitoring, management, research and conservation, and advocacy.​ Our vision is for Malaysia to have sustainably managed marine ecosystems.

Our Goals for Marine Conservation

At Reef Check Malaysia, we are committed to safeguarding the future of Malaysia’s coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Our goals for 2021-2025 are designed to empower communities, integrate resilience into management practices, and enhance policy frameworks.

Strengthening Community Roles in Marine Stewardship

Local stakeholders are empowered to participate in management of marine resources.

Strengthening Marine Management With Resilience

Resilience-based principles are incorporated into marine resource management.

Enhancing Marine Management Framework

The framework for marine management, including policy, legal considerations, and funding avenues, is further strengthened.

Our Core Pillars

Science

Our EcoAction initiative trains certified divers to conduct comprehensive Reef Check surveys, providing crucial data on the health of coral reefs across Malaysia. This programme not only enhances our understanding of marine ecosystems but also fosters community involvement in conservation efforts.

We also conduct reef rehabilitation, reef resilience surveys and monitor coral bleaching which inform management strategies.

Advocacy and Awareness

,We are dedicated to raising public awareness about the importance of coral reefs and the ecosystem services they provide. By participating in initiatives like the Green Fins, Green Hotels, and Eco-Friendly Snorkel Guide programmes. we promote sustainable diving practices and engage communities in conservation activities.

Management

We believe that without community involvement in the management of marine areas, they will not be successful.

We train island communities to be marine conservation leaders. One of our goals is to involve local communities in the management and conservation of their island’s resources.

Our Journey Through the Years

Over the past decade, Reef Check Malaysia has marked several milestones in marine conservation, reflecting our commitment to protecting Malaysia’s coral reefs.

2007

Inception of Reef Check Malaysia

We began our mission to safeguard Malaysia’s coral reefs, launching our first Reef Check survey programme.

2010

Sustainable Island Programme Initiated

The Sustainable Island Programme (SIP) was launched, focusing on sustainable practices and community involvement.

2015

Co-Management Approach Adopted

We implemented a co-management strategy, empowering local communities to take an active role in marine conservation.

2019

Participatory Management in Tioman

We launched a 2-year programme to establish participatory management in Tioman.

 

 

 

2023

Community Conservation Groups Established

Three new conservation groups were formed within the community in Semporna, enhancing local engagement in marine protection.

2024

Activated our Coral Bleaching Monitoring Protocols

Due to the 2024 mass coral bleaching phenomenon, we activated our protocol to monitor the impact of the mass coral bleaching event on our reefs.

Meet Our Dedicated Team

Our team is passionate about marine conservation, working tirelessly to protect Malaysia’s coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

Julian Hyde
Julian Hyde

Chief Executive Officer

Theresa Ng
Theresa Ng

Chief Operating Officer

Alvin Chelliah
Alvin Chelliah

Chief Programmes Officer

Jasmin Mohd Saad
Jasmin Mohd Saad

Chief Public Policy and Advocacy Officer

Proudly Verified for Good

“For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realize that, in order to survive, he must protect it.”

— Jacques-Yves Cousteau

Join Us in Protecting Malaysia's Coral Reefs

Become a part of our mission to safeguard Malaysia’s vibrant marine ecosystems. Whether you’re a diver, a conservation enthusiast, or someone who cares about the ocean, there’s a place for you at Reef Check Malaysia. Volunteer with us, support our initiatives through donations, or participate in our programs to make a tangible impact on coral reef conservation. Together, we can ensure a sustainable future for our oceans.