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. 

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:

1. From Recreation to Conservation: The Role of Divers in Coral Reef Protection
2. 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 discussions