Kota Kinabalu

mapping critical marine data in sabah

In February, our colleagues participated in the second Sabah’s Shoreline Management Plan workshop, initiated by the Environment Protection Department of Sabah and organised by DHI. A map of critical data on the physical, biological, and socio-economic aspects in the West, North and East Coast of Sabah was presented by DHI. The information was received from different stakeholders, all of whom were in this review process to discuss the management objectives and strategies that Sabah can apply within the newly revised SMP based on the 2005 SMP.

Presentation by DHI representative during the SMP workshop — Presentation by DHI representative during the SMP Workshop

introducing Sustainable Tourism initiatives

In March, our Sabah team conducted an online workshop to introduce Reef Check Malaysia’s sustainable tourism programs, which include Green Hotels, Green Fins, and the Eco-Friendly Snorkeling Guide. We had over 60 participants from various stakeholder groups in attendance. Prior to this, our Sabah team completed the Green Hotels Assessor training with Ella, our colleague from the Tioman team.

During the workshop, we highlighted key marine tourism challenges and how these initiatives can help mitigate environmental impacts while promoting sustainable tourism practices for accommodations, dive operators, as well as tour guides. These programs are funded by KePKAS (Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment) and MetLife Foundation.

Ella (RCM Tioman) briefing the Sabah team on Green Hotels Assessment

semporna

MAINTAINING REEF REHABILITATION SITES

Our Semporna colleagues conduct regular maintenance at our restoration sites in Larapan, Mabul, Kulapuan, and Selakan Island to:

monitor the growth of corals,
mitigate threats, and
ensure survival of corals.

Since its installation in 2023, we have observed not only coral growth, but also a noticeable increase in marine life, particularly reef fish. However, challenges remain, such as the presence of white damsel fish that promote algae growth as well as coral-eating snails, such as Drupella. Regular maintenance is essential to mitigate these threats and ensure the survival of the coral fragments in the rehabilitation sites.

Bottle reefs at a rehabilitation site in Larapan Island

Corals on reef stars in Mabul Island growing well

Eco- Friendly Snorkelling Guide Training

Our colleagues conducted two Eco-Friendly Snorkeling Guide (EFSG) Training sessions this quarter.

10 Selakan Marine Conservation Group (SMCG) youths attended the training as part of our community empowerment project, supported by the Resilience Fund and KePKAS through a collaborative coral restoration project with Sabah Parks. This marks the first batch of many EFSG training sessions planned across Sabah.
A second training in Semporna certified 19 new guides who successfully completed the 4-day program. The training included theory sessions on marine conservation, practical exercises on guide briefings and mock snorkelling tours, as well as first aid training. This initiative was supported by Green Fins and the Malaysia Red Crescent Society, with funding from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Sabah (KePKAS) and MetLife Foundation.

Adzmin from RCM conducting a session with youths from SMCG

SELAKAN WASTE MANAGEMENT PROJECT

RCM, in collaboration with the Selakan Marine Conservation Group (SMCG) and the Semporna Island Project (SIP), launched the Waste Management Project on Selakan Island to establish a structured waste disposal system. Data showed that islanders generate 246 kg of waste daily, averaging 1.39 kg per person. Without proper management, an estimated 64 tons of waste could enter the waters yearly. Supported by the Exo Foundation, the project began in March, with 136.3 kg of waste collected to date.

Sabah Community Environmental Leadership Camp (CELC) 2025

This 8-day program was organized by Green Semporna and RCM, with support from the Youth Environment Living Lab (YELL) and DHI Malaysia. A total of 36 participants from various regions across Sabah — as well as the Redang and Tioman Marine Conservation Groups from Peninsular Malaysia attended the camp. The Pemimpin IKLIM Mabul group is among the 11 recipients of the Sabah CELC Mini Grant. They plan to implement a mini-project focusing on tackling the issue of fish bombing in Mabul Island, through sea patrolling and awareness activities.

Read more about the CELC experience of the:
- Redang Marine Conservation Group (RMCG), and
- Tioman Marine Conservation Group (TMCG)

cintai mantanani

making Progress with waste management initiatives

Here are some updates on waste management from Mantanani Island:

January: 8 members of Mantanani’s waste management team successfully completed a composting training, delivered by Kivatu Nature Farm. During the training, they learned how to prepare EMAS and carry out the Bokashi technique.
February: A community engagement program was conducted to update the participants on the latest developments of the waste management program. 126 villagers participated in the program and over 100 households were awarded the Excellence Awards for their outstanding participation during the previous year. 5 more households have also registered to join this initiative.
February: 530kg of plastic bottles were successfully transported to GTR Metal Trading to be recycled. We also transported 534kg of plastic waste and other types of trash to the Kayu Madang landfill in Tuaran.