Mersing Islands Recycling Programme

The Recycling Program in the Mersing Islands was implemented to encourage proper waste segregation and recycling practices among local communities and visitors. Throughout 2025, a total of 1,346.1 kilograms of recyclables materials were collected, consisting of plastic bottles, cans and glass.

This initiative received active participation from local island communities and has helped raise awareness on responsible waste management practices, particularly in reducing plastic pollution that affects the marine environment. This programme is supported through the close cooperation of the Mersing District Council (MDM) and all parties involved.

Local community members transferring the recyclables from the boat

Recyclables transferred into RORO bins before being sent to the recycle centre

Outreach Programme

Our team was invited to conduct a marine ecosystem awareness programme under the Pendidik Ekosistem dan Alam Sekitar (PEDAS) initiative. The session introduced students to key marine habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass, and highlighted why these ecosystems are important and need protection.

PEDAS is a collaborative environmental education programme involving the Mersing District Council, Mersing District Education Office, Department of Fisheries, Tengah Island Conservation, Reef Check Malaysia and The MareCet Research Organization.

A total of 177 students and teachers from SK Mersing Kanan took part in the programme, which ended with an interactive quiz to reinforce learning and encourage active participation.

Beach and Underwater Clean-ups

Between October and December, the Mersing Islands Conservation Group (MMCG) successfully conducted ten underwater clean-up activities at Pulau Aur and Pulau Pemanggil. 100.5 kilograms of ghost nets and marine debris were removed while 39 Crown-of-Thorns starfish were culled using vinegar injections to help maintain the balance of the marine ecosystem. This initiative is part of the ongoing work carried out by MMCG members. 

We also carried out a beach clean-up along Tanjung Resang Beach in collaboration with Mersing District Council (MDM) and local volunteers. Through this initiative, 684 kilograms of marine debris were collected with the involvement of 55 volunteers. The collected waste consisted of various pollutants such as plastic bottles, plastic wrappers, fishing gear, plastic packaging and polystyrene, which often pose threats to marine life. This clean-up activity is strengthened by the continued collaboration with MDM and the Marine Ecosystem Research Centre (EKOMAR).

Divers removing ghost nets entangled on coral reefs

A diver injecting Crown-of-Thorns starfish with vinegar