Interactive Map Brings Insight into Malaysia’s Coral Reef Health

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 SEPTEMBER 2025 – An advanced interactive map compiling years of data on the health of Malaysia’s reefs from over 300 sites is now available on Reef Check Malaysia’s website.

The interactive map offers a comprehensive and dynamic view of reef conditions, specifically using data from the Reef Check survey methodology, which is widely recognized worldwide.

It provides a robust platform that visualizes data, displaying key indicators such as fish, invertebrates, and substrate data. The platform presents this information in an easy-to-understand format, helping users quickly identify areas of concern and track trends in reef health in Malaysia over the past five years.

The interactive map displays data on the health of Malaysia’s coral reefs.

The new platform was made possible through The APAC Digital Transformation Program by Infoxchange.

“This platform leverages the power of community involvement to gather extensive and diverse data sets. This approach democratizes data collection and encourages public participation, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards reef conservation,” commented Theresa Ng, Chief Operating Officer of Reef Check Malaysia.

“The interactive map also provides timely updates on reef health indicators. This immediate access to current data allows stakeholders to make informed decisions quickly, enhancing the ability to respond to emerging threats,” Ng added.

The data was gathered using the Reef Check survey methodology

The platform is designed with an intuitive user interface and is accessible via Reef Check Malaysia’s website. This ensures that users of all technical backgrounds can easily navigate the map, and access relevant information.

Alongside the interactive map, Reef Check Malaysia has also introduced an educational modules page, designed for teachers, students, and passionate individuals to learn more about marine conservation.

“We invite everyone to explore the map and educational modules,” added Ng. “We hope this platform and modules will help facilitate informed decision-making, promote sustainable practices, and ultimately contribute to the preservation and restoration of coral reefs, safeguarding these vital ecosystems for future generations.”

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.

TIOMAN ISLAND, 4 AUGUST 2023 – A team from AmBank supported a marine conservation NGO, Reef Check Malaysia (RCM), in their work to rehabilitate coral reefs on Tioman Island.

The group of nine AmBank employees managed to plant 200 corals of opportunity – which are corals that have been broken by physical impact.

RCM is a non-governmental organization established in 2007 committed to a healthy ocean and bringing all stakeholders together to manage coral reefs sustainably. RCM’s field office on Tioman Island is managed by the Cintai Tioman team. Cintai Tioman is a long-term community-based programme which is a first in Malaysia. The goal of the project is to protect the coral reefs around Tioman and to improve the livelihoods of the local community. The end goal is to ensure the sustainable use of the island’s natural resources for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Commenting on the conservation efforts, Head of Group Corporate Communications and Marketing, AmBank Group, Shazman Shahid said : “The programme is one of the sustainability activities by AmBank to inspire and raise awareness amongst AmBankers while also mobilising support for meaningful action towards sustainable development and practices. AmBank hopes that this effort will help to further conserve marine biodiversity through sustainable, community-based coral reef rehabilitation”

AmBank’s commitment to its Sustainability Journey in making the planet a better place for the next generation inspired them to collaborate with RCM in its coral rehabilitation efforts, paving way for more future potential collaborations in the marine conservation space.

AmBank’s employees volunteered with Reef Check Malaysia on Tioman Island.

“Coral reef rehabilitation takes a lot of time, effort and cost. It is great to have corporations such as AmBank supporting our work to ensure that we can keep protecting the reefs in Tioman Island,” shared Alvin Chelliah, Chief Programme Officer of Reef Check Malaysia.

The AmBank team also managed to deploy 36 coral pots at RCM’s reef rehabilitation site in Kampung Tekek, recycled glass bottles, and built coral blocks during their time in Tioman.

The corals deployed will be monitored regularly to assess survival and growth rates. The team will observe for any coral diseases or predation and ensure tagging is intact near to selected replicate.

200 corals of opportunity were planted by the team.

After a few months from deployment, the team will also look for coral recruitment to observe and record the marine life inhabiting the site over time.

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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