Reef Check Malaysia’s Kod Blue: Laut Needs You 2024 (Kod Blue 2024) is part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) effort. This is the second year RCM has organised this event, which included activities such as a conservation talk by RCM’s Chief Programs Officer, Alvin Chelliah, a special ‘Action Camera Underwater Videography’ workshop by Reef Check Malaysia’s ambassador, Baki Zainal, a beach and underwater cleanup, a ‘Pasar Malam Mesra Alam’ offering local delicacies from the Tioman Island community, a glass crusher and coral block workshop, and a movie night.

The objective of the event is to spread awareness about the issue of marine debris while bringing together the general public and the local community of Tioman Island. “Kod Blue” is an homage to the term used to mean ’emergency’ in the medical field, and ‘blue’ is also a nod to the ocean.

The success of the event would not have been possible without the dedication of all volunteers, partners and sponsors. Kod Blue 2024 was supported by sponsors including Migalabs, Diamond & Platinum, REEF, Bose, Sol Sauce Sunscreen, Akkord Scents, Nautika Scuba Centre, B&J Diving Centre, Small Towns Malaysia, Ryan’s Special Needs Care Centre, Garmin Malaysia, Cowa, MobyTek, and Nazri’s Place.

We also would like to thank our ambassadors, Sharifah Sofia and Baki Zainal, all of our volunteers including representatives from the Tioman Marine Conservation Group (TMCG), Tioman Development Authority, Department of Fisheries (DOF), Alam Flora, SWCORP ROMPIN, PERHILITAN Department, Tioman Police, SMK Tekek (Nature Lovers Club), and Malaysia Civil Defence Force for participating in our cleanup effort.

Marine debris is a serious issue that has been plaguing our seas for a very long time. Here is a quick video recap of Kod Blue 2024 and why we come together to clean up our marine environment.