Merdeka Dive for Mersing’s Reefs

To mark Merdeka, Reef Check Malaysia, the Mersing Marine Conservation Group (MMCG) and the Department of Fisheries (DoF) joined forces for a conservation dive in the Mersing Islands.

Divers working together to remove ghost nets

The team removed 49.1 kg of ghost nets and marine debris from the reef, reducing the risk of entanglement and damage to marine life, while also removing 9 Crown-of-Thorns starfish that can contribute to coral loss when present in high numbers.

A diver injecting a COT with vinegar solution

Strengthening Recycling Efforts

In August, three Mersing Marine Conservation Group (MMCG) members and two Pulau Tinggi community members upgraded 18 existing recycling bins with BRC mesh for use around the island.

Building new recycling bins

Communities across Pulau Sibu, Pulau Tinggi and Pulau Aur also supported local recycling efforts, transferring a combined 453 kg of recyclable materials, including plastic and cans to Clean and Happy Recycle & Enterprise.

These community-led efforts help keep the islands clean, reduce waste reaching landfills and the ocean, and strengthen more sustainable waste management practices across the Mersing Islands.

Local community in Pulau Aur sorting out recyclables 

Mersing International Conservation Day

Mersing International Conservation Day brought together organisations from the tourism and conservation community to promote environmental awareness and more sustainable tourism in Mersing. Organised by members of Sustainable Travel Mersing, the event featured 16 organisations and welcomed around 500 locals and visitors.

Danise (RCM) explaining about our reef rehabilitation efforts to visitors at RCM’s booth

At the RCM booth, around 200 visitors took part in interactive activities and learned more about marine conservation and the importance of protecting Mersing’s marine environment.

Children playing an educational game at RCM’s booth