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.

PASIR GUDANG, JOHOR, 18 APRIL 2022 – In collaboration with Reef Check Malaysia, Dr Jillian Ooi and Affendi Yang Amri of Universiti Malaya are leading a new initiative to train a group of volunteers from DIALOG Group Berhad, MyKasih Foundation, and members from the local community in seagrass monitoring and conservation in Tanjung Langsat, Johor.

Seagrass meadows are one of the most important and productive ecosystems in the ocean, yet are often neglected. According to a 2009 research paper which reviewed the status of seagrass around the world, the rate of decline has been 7% per year since 1990. This is reflected in Malaysia, where seagrass meadows have been disappearing over the last 20 years.

Seagrass meadows provide ideal conditions for the growth and abundance of numerous invertebrates and fishes that many coastal communities collect and catch for their livelihoods. These marine animals are also often the seafood we consume at our dinner table.

According to Dr Jillian Ooi, a seagrass specialist at Universiti Malaya: “Seagrass meadows are vital to communities as they provide food and protection from floods. This project gives us a great opportunity to learn in more detail what the current situation is in this area of Johor and what we need to do to protect these important natural assets.”

Once this citizen science initiative is established, volunteers will help collect and share valuable seagrass monitoring data with experts for assessment. Dr. Jillian and Affendi will also be engaging with local communities in Johor to learn about the traditional ecological knowledge that these communities have about seagrass ecosystems and to share their research findings to help those communities govern and manage their natural resources effectively.

Executive Chairman of DIALOG Group Berhad, Tan Sri Dr Ngau Boon Keat added that this collaboration is in line with the Group’s long-term objective of enabling food security and sustainable livelihood for communities’ dependent on the ecosystem. Additionally, it is a great opportunity for the Group to contribute positively towards its ESG objectives and align with Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 14 (Life Under Water) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Every month starting April 2022, 10-15 staff volunteers from DIALOG will be taking turns to learn from the UM specialists about seagrass and what they can do as ordinary citizen scientists in collecting vital data for research. The engagement will be expanded to include local community members such as students in nearby schools, which DIALOG is supporting.

Involving the public and local communities in this activity is important to raise awareness and foster stewardship of seagrass in Malaysia. With the outcomes of this initiative, Reef Check Malaysia will lead efforts to encourage the State government to make greater strides to conserve seagrass meadows in Johor.

Julian Hyde, General Manager of Reef Check Malaysia, said: “You don’t need to be an ecologist or an expert about seagrass to make an impact. You can start simply by learning more about seagrass or taking part in seagrass monitoring activities that are happening near you.”

-END-