Cintai Mersing Updates: April – June 2026
Turning Waste into Opportunity
What if yesterday’s rubbish could help restore tomorrow’s reefs? Through RCM’s Rumah Kitar Semula (RKS) recycling centres in Pulau Sibu, Pulau Tinggi and Pulau Aur, island communities are taking the lead in reducing waste and adopting more sustainable practices.
In Pulau Aur, 28 community members recently learned how discarded glass bottles can be crushed and reused as a substitute for sand in the construction of coral rehabilitation structures. This simple yet innovative approach not only reduces glass waste on the islands but also gives it a new purpose by supporting reef restoration through a circular economy, making a lasting difference for both the community and the environment.
Pulau Aur community members during the glass crusher machine demonstration
Construction of reef rehabilitation structures by MMCG and the Pulau Aur community
Malaysia International Diving Expo (MIDE) 2025
Kuala Lumpur, 13 – 15 June: RCM participated by setting up a booth at the Malaysia International Diving Expo held in MITEC, showcasing our marine conservation efforts. Alvin, our colleague from Tioman, was a speaker at two conservation panel discussions:
- From Recreation to Conservation: The Role of Divers in Coral Reef Protection
- The Power of Choice: How Consumers Have the Voice to Influence Sustainability and Change
OCEANS 5 Workshop
The ‘Bengkel Pengurusan Sumber Semulajadi’ di Kepulauan Seri Buat, Rompin, Pahang was held in collaboration with Perbadanan Taman Negeri Pahang and WWF-Malaysia.
The workshop brought together various representatives from both the state and federal governments in Pahang to explore how participatory, integrated, and sustainable management of our islands can be achieved. From managing marine resources to identifying land-sea challenges and solutions, the conversations were rich and insightful – thanks to the active participants who thoughtfully brought up key issues and potential ways forward.
Moving forward, we hope to see more states joining in and continuing this important dialogue on sustainable marine and island management.
The project is supported by Oceans 5 and its Bloomberg Ocean Fund and its Joint 30×30 Funding Initiative, sponsored projects of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.
Group presentation during the workshop
Group discussions
Checkout these stories
Reef Check Malaysia’s 2025 Highlights and What’s Ahead in 2026
Reef Check Malaysia's 2025 As 2025 comes to a close, it’s traditional to look back on the year’s events – and look forward to the coming year. 2025 has been as busy a year as I can remember! Lots of great things happening, and I think we are laying a solid foundation...
The Mersing Islands Dilemma: To Close or Not to Close
To Close, or Not to Close…That Is The Question… Ok, paraphrasing Shakespeare is a cheap shot, but it just seemed appropriate. So, What’s The Problem? I’m referring, of course, to the recent closure of a number of islands off the East coast of Johor, near the town of...
South of Johor: July – September 2025
South of Johor: July - September 2025Stakeholder Engagement MeetingsReef Check Malaysia (RCM) held three stakeholder meetings with local schools and the Majlis Perbandaran Pengerang (MPP) to plan future conservation activities. Teachers from SMK Pengerang Utama and SK...