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.

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 APRIL 2023 – Earth Day is celebrated every year on 22 April. It is a day to raise awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations. One of these natural resources is our coral reefs.

Coral reefs provide habitat for a huge variety of marine life and support the effective flow of the marine food chain. However, there are still a lot of misconceptions about coral reefs, such as it is a rock, when coral reef is an animal. Without coral reefs, many marine species would not survive as coral reefs act as their nursery, home in adulthood, and food source. For humans, a lot of jobs will be lost without coral reefs, particularly in coastal fisheries and tourism. Not only that, we will also lose protection against coastal erosion and a huge portion of our food source.

“Reefs provide not only food, but also important jobs for many coastal communities in Malaysia, and they are an important tourism product. Simple actions on a local level can significantly contribute to improving the health and resilience of our reefs.” shared Julian Hyde, Reef Check Malaysia’s General Manager.

Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) coordinates the annual Reef Check survey programme, working with partners Department of Fisheries, island communities and trained volunteers. In 2022 the programme covered more than 300 coral reef sites around Malaysia, and provides a “health check” on coral reefs. Recently, RCM released its 2022 Annual Reef Check survey report.

Reef Check Malaysia conducts annual Reef Check survey

The report shows that on average, the coral reefs surveyed in 2022 have a “fair” level of live coral cover, at 47.83%. This is a slight increase from 2021(44.26%) and continues an upward trend noted since last year’s surveys, reversing a decline that started in 2015.

RCM is of the opinion that the improving trend is due to the huge reduction in tourist numbers to coral reefs during the Covid-19 pandemic. In one of its recommendations, RCM suggests that temporary site closures should be considered as a management measure for the conservation of marine ecosystems. Furthermore, it is suggested that the government should consider introducing a more sustainable tourism model, which is in line with tourists’ increasing demands for more authentic experiences and which will also reduce the pressure on the environment.

Map showing the reef health composition of each survey location in Peninsular Malaysia based on Live Coral Cover.

Map showing the reef health composition of each survey location in Sabah based on Live Coral Cover.

Map showing the reef health composition of each survey location in Sarawak based on Live Coral Cover.

While we welcome the improvement in the percentage of Live Coral Cover, which is a key coral reef health indicator, RCM urges the government to intensify efforts to protect our reefs.”, Julian added.

It is hoped that more proactive actions are taken to conserve and protect our coral reefs. The protection of coral reefs will benefit not only the marine ecosystem but also livelihoods and food security.

You may read the full report here. 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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