Interactive Map Brings Insight into Malaysia’s Coral Reef Health

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 SEPTEMBER 2025 – An advanced interactive map compiling years of data on the health of Malaysia’s reefs from over 300 sites is now available on Reef Check Malaysia’s website.

The interactive map offers a comprehensive and dynamic view of reef conditions, specifically using data from the Reef Check survey methodology, which is widely recognized worldwide.

It provides a robust platform that visualizes data, displaying key indicators such as fish, invertebrates, and substrate data. The platform presents this information in an easy-to-understand format, helping users quickly identify areas of concern and track trends in reef health in Malaysia over the past five years.

The interactive map displays data on the health of Malaysia’s coral reefs.

The new platform was made possible through The APAC Digital Transformation Program by Infoxchange.

“This platform leverages the power of community involvement to gather extensive and diverse data sets. This approach democratizes data collection and encourages public participation, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards reef conservation,” commented Theresa Ng, Chief Operating Officer of Reef Check Malaysia.

“The interactive map also provides timely updates on reef health indicators. This immediate access to current data allows stakeholders to make informed decisions quickly, enhancing the ability to respond to emerging threats,” Ng added.

The data was gathered using the Reef Check survey methodology

The platform is designed with an intuitive user interface and is accessible via Reef Check Malaysia’s website. This ensures that users of all technical backgrounds can easily navigate the map, and access relevant information.

Alongside the interactive map, Reef Check Malaysia has also introduced an educational modules page, designed for teachers, students, and passionate individuals to learn more about marine conservation.

“We invite everyone to explore the map and educational modules,” added Ng. “We hope this platform and modules will help facilitate informed decision-making, promote sustainable practices, and ultimately contribute to the preservation and restoration of coral reefs, safeguarding these vital ecosystems for future generations.”

For more information on Reef Check Malaysia, you may visit them on their website, Facebook and Instagram or contact them at hello@reefcheck.org.my.

KUALA LUMPUR, 10 SEPTEMBER 2022 – The International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) is taking place this September. Every year volunteers around the world will come together to clean our beaches and waterways of trash. This global effort has been running for more than 35 years.

In Malaysia, this campaign is coordinated annually by Reef Check Malaysia, a non-government organization (NGO) working towards the sustainable management of coral reefs This year’s campaign #ICCMY2022 is supported by one of the partners, TechnipFMC, which cleaned up two beaches – Pantai Pengkalan Balak, Melaka, and Pantai Tanjung Balau, Johor. A total of 389 TechnipFMC employees and their family members participated in the beach clean-ups and collectively removed 1,405.127kg of trash in one day.

TechnipFMC has made it their goal to support ICC this year to take greater environmental responsibility amongst the employees, particularly on proper waste management. TechnipFMC also encourages employees to contribute to the community they work and live in.

TechnipFMC’s volunteers at Pantai Pengkalan Balak, Melaka

“TechnipFMC is focused on making a long-term, positive impact in the communities where we live and work through active engagement and initiatives. Our iVolunteer initiative encourages TechnipFMC employees to volunteer their time towards social causes that impact the communities in which we live and operate”, said Vimi K Venugopal, TechnipFMC Malaysia, People and Culture Director.

“We have chosen to participate in this year’s ICC as one big TechnipFMC Malaysia family, activating employees from 2 separate locations to clean-up beaches near them.”

TechnipFMC’s volunteers at Pantai Tanjung Balau, Johor

The last physical ICC coordinated by Reef Check Malaysia was conducted in 2020 when the restrictions were slightly relaxed. According to Reef Check Malaysia’s ICC 2020 Report, with the help of 3,500 volunteers from all over the country, more than 11 tonnes of trash were collected from over 200km of coastline. A total of 24,493 plastic bottles were collected throughout September 2020.

Waste composition from ICC in Malaysia in 2020

In conjunction with this year’s ICC, the Ocean Mall initiative will be launched to change consumerist trends into conservation trends instead. Clean-up volunteers, especially divers conducting underwater clean-ups, will go “shopping” for trash and post their finds on social media using the #OceanMall and #ICCMY2022 hashtags.

Although the majority of the beach clean-ups took place on the 10th September, the public can still volunteer to participate in ICC anytime this month. For more information, please contact cleanup@reefcheck.org.my.

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