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
Why supercharging ocean protection of at least 30% of the Earth area is critical for human health and economic wellbeing
The oceans have taken care of us for generations. They are one of our biggest sources of natural capital, accounting for 70% of the earth’s surface. Unfortunately, decades of uncontrolled exploitation of our ocean resources has resulted in escalating pollution-induced climate change, allowed the exacerbation of plastic pollution, caused the collapse of many fisheries, destroyed biodiversity and in the end, negatively impacted our economy and social wellbeing.
Would re-energising economies for a post-Covid-19 world mean rolling back on environmental protections on a rapidly changing ocean?
PART 1: SETTING THE SCENE
The Covid-19 pandemic changed almost everything. However, it has shown that large-scale urgent change is possible. The unprecedented level and speed of policy and legislative actions demonstrated our capacity to adapt in the face of profound suffering and loss to our health, livelihoods, economies, and behaviours.
Why Malaysia’s New National Tourism Strategy is a Milestone for the Economy and Conservation
Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) has long been an advocate for a more inclusive, sustainable marine tourism industry in Malaysia, and as such we are pleased to express our strong support for the new National Tourism Policy, announced recently by the Prime Minister.
…it’s how we do tourism that is important.