'Deep concerns” about the Proposed New Tioman Airport

KUALA LUMPUR, 26 JUNE 2023 – Reef Check Malaysia is deeply concerned about the long term damage to biodiversity that will result from construction of the proposed new airport on Tioman Island.

“At a time when the international community is starting to realise the implications of biodiversity loss, we are worried that the long term effect on the island’s natural resources – and community – will be substantial”, said Julian Hyde, General Manager of Reef Check Malaysia.

The main attraction of Tioman Island is its natural environment such as its coral reefs and white sandy beaches, as well as untouched rainforest. These ecosystems are home to endemic and endangered species, an important part of the island’s biodiversity.

The proposed new Tioman Airport will be built on 460.50 acres, of which 76% will be on reclaimed land. The project’s components include land reclamation, quarrying, construction of revetments and hill cutting, as well as site work and preparation.

Photo courtesy of Juara Turtle Project

“Obviously there will be damage to ecosystems in the immediate vicinity of the site – not to mention the economic losses to businesses in the two villages adjacent to the project site. The EIA is clear about this. So there is going to be some loss of biodiversity”, Hyde says.

“But it goes further than that. Tioman currently receives around 250,000 visitors per year. Averaging that out over a 10-month season (with 2 months off for monsoon), that’s about 830 people per day. During busy periods rooms are hard to get; there are problems with water and electricity supply, and the incinerator struggles to deal with the load.

“The EIA suggests that up to 20 flights per day will operate at the new airport, with a capacity of up to 2,500 people. Three times the current volume. Where will they stay? How will they get there? How will that increase in waste and sewage be managed? What about water supply? The answers to these questions have important implications for the island’s biodiversity.”

The previous plan to build a new airport on Tioman was rejected as environmental impact assessment studies showed that the project would severely damage the environment through land reclamation and other activities.

Hyde says: “In terms of advancing the policy to develop the tourism sector, and the state’s development policy, a better management approach would consider protecting the islands natural assets, because what tourism means when we talk about Tioman island is its beautiful natural resources. Developing tourism cannot exclude the protection of the natural environment.”

“A more detailed study is needed to better understand the impact of more tourists. This should include not just the immediate physical impact at the site, but how a four-fold increase in visitors will affect both the island’s biodiversity and its community.”

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.    

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Are Our Coral Reefs Okay?

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 APRIL 2023 – Earth Day is celebrated every year on 22 April. It is a day to raise awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations. One of these natural resources is our coral reefs.

Coral reefs provide habitat for a huge variety of marine life and support the effective flow of the marine food chain. However, there are still a lot of misconceptions about coral reefs, such as it is a rock, when coral reef is an animal. Without coral reefs, many marine species would not survive as coral reefs act as their nursery, home in adulthood, and food source. For humans, a lot of jobs will be lost without coral reefs, particularly in coastal fisheries and tourism. Not only that, we will also lose protection against coastal erosion and a huge portion of our food source.

“Reefs provide not only food, but also important jobs for many coastal communities in Malaysia, and they are an important tourism product. Simple actions on a local level can significantly contribute to improving the health and resilience of our reefs.” shared Julian Hyde, Reef Check Malaysia’s General Manager.

Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) coordinates the annual Reef Check survey programme, working with partners Department of Fisheries, island communities and trained volunteers. In 2022 the programme covered more than 300 coral reef sites around Malaysia, and provides a “health check” on coral reefs. Recently, RCM released its 2022 Annual Reef Check survey report.

Reef Check Malaysia conducts annual Reef Check survey

The report shows that on average, the coral reefs surveyed in 2022 have a “fair” level of live coral cover, at 47.83%. This is a slight increase from 2021(44.26%) and continues an upward trend noted since last year’s surveys, reversing a decline that started in 2015.

RCM is of the opinion that the improving trend is due to the huge reduction in tourist numbers to coral reefs during the Covid-19 pandemic. In one of its recommendations, RCM suggests that temporary site closures should be considered as a management measure for the conservation of marine ecosystems. Furthermore, it is suggested that the government should consider introducing a more sustainable tourism model, which is in line with tourists’ increasing demands for more authentic experiences and which will also reduce the pressure on the environment.

Map showing the reef health composition of each survey location in Peninsular Malaysia based on Live Coral Cover.

Map showing the reef health composition of each survey location in Sabah based on Live Coral Cover.

Map showing the reef health composition of each survey location in Sarawak based on Live Coral Cover.

“While we welcome the improvement in the percentage of Live Coral Cover, which is a key coral reef health indicator, RCM urges the government to intensify efforts to protect our reefs.”, Julian added.

It is hoped that more proactive actions are taken to conserve and protect our coral reefs. The protection of coral reefs will benefit not only the marine ecosystem but also livelihoods and food security.

You may read the full report here. 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.  

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Partnering for The Marine Ecosystem - Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding Between Reef Check Malaysia and the Department of Fisheries

Putrajaya, 14 December 2022: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Fisheries (DOF), representing the Government of Malaysia and Reef Check Malaysia was signed by YBhg. Datuk Haji Mohd Sufian bin Sulaiman, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries and Julian Hyde, General Manager of Reef Check Malaysia at the Department of Fisheries’ headquarters in Putrajaya yesterday. The MOU was signed to reach an understanding on the future collaborations for the conservation and restoration of the marine ecosystem.

The strategic partnership between DOF and Reef Check Malaysia has been ongoing for several years and has been carried out through multiple programme collaborations, in particular in marine parks.

The MOU is important to enable Reef Check Malaysia to continue its work to support the conservation of marine ecosystems in Malaysia. Hyde commented that: “We are grateful to the Department of Fisheries for their continuing support of our work, and we look forward to working closely with them in the future.”

The MOU focuses on 2 key points i.e.:

i)        The implementation of the health of coral reefs survey and the research on restoring the biodiversity, climate change, ecological and socioeconomic resilience and contribute to the increased understanding of the importance of the marine ecosystem management; and

ii)       The implementation of educational and awareness programme for local communities and local stakeholders, particularly in Marine Parks to encourage local stakeholders to get involved in the management, monitoring and preservation of marine ecosystems and to plant a sense of ownership within the community in an effort towards implementing co-management

“I hope that this approach can encourage the participation and cooperation of various parties in order to increase the effectiveness of the Government’s service execution and achieve a win-win situation for all involved.” shared YBhg. Datuk Haji Mohd Sufian bin Sulaiman.

The signing of the MOU signifies a monumental step forward for Malaysia’s marine environment. It is hoped that the partnership will benefit all stakeholders involved and ensure a sustainable marine ecosystem. For more information on Reef Check Malaysia, visit their website at www.reefcheck.org.my or email them at hello@reefcheck.org.my.

7-Eleven’s One-Of-A-Kind Reusable Bags To Benefit Reef Check Malaysia & Juara Turtle Project Through #TrashToTreasure Campaign

KUALA LUMPUR (11 AUGUST 2021) – 7-Eleven Malaysia has just launched an eco-friendly initiative to transform post-consumer plastic bottle waste into striking tote bags. The brand’s new and exclusive reusable bag collection is dedicated to sustainability, encouraging Malaysians to factor in environmental friendly steps while shopping.

The largest 24-hour standalone convenience store operator nationwide has released two reusable bag variants - the Out of the Ocean Bag and the Recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) Bottle Bag – to address the conundrum of what to do further with all the plastic waste being generated.

The Out of the Ocean Bag is constructed using 100% recycled ocean plastics whereby every bag removes the equivalent of two-to-three bottles from the oceans and waterways. This spacious bag may look dainty, but can support up to 15kg.

On the other hand, the Recycled PET Bottle Bag is upcycled from 100% recycled PET bottles. With a maximum carrying capacity of 10kg, this bag allows you to carry your purchased necessities while reducing the equivalent of up to three plastic bottles from the environment.

7-Eleven Malaysia’s General Manager of Marketing, Ronan Lee, expressed, “Plastic trash are ecologically damaging to the planet that we live on and we want to make a change through our Trash To Treasure reusable bag campaign that aim to drive momentum in influencing our customers’ behaviour to bring their reusable bags when shopping in our stores as well as provide financial contribution to our chosen change agent NPO partners as every little step matters.”

Lee continued, “On top of this, we are also currently using bio-degradable plastic bags in our stores as part of our environmental protection efforts. We hope that our sustainability initiatives will encourage our consumers to shop while keeping the environment in mind to protect the world that we live in from more plastic waste. We must do our part to transform #TrashToTreasure.”

First of their kind in Malaysia, 7-Eleven’s latest reusable bags are not only eco-friendly but look cute, too! The quirky bags are adorned with educational fun facts and their wide straps make them extremely comfortable to wear.

Affordably priced at RM7.90 (Recycled PET Bottle Bag) and RM13.90 (Out of the Ocean Bag), the reusable bags are available exclusively at selected 7-Eleven stores in Peninsular Malaysia. With huge bang for your buck, you can repay Mother Earth with kindness without breaking the bank.   

Best of all, as part of the #TrashToTreasure Reusable Bag campaign, from now until 16th September 2021, with every purchase of the reusable bags, RM1 will be channelled toward 7-Eleven’s environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO) partners, Reef Check Malaysia and Juara Turtle Project, so you can play your role in supporting their nature conservation efforts while sporting a trendy tote on your shoulder.

General Manager of Reef Check Malaysia, Julian Hyde, said “Trash leaking into our ocean is a serious and universal issue. Our teams based on the islands and the island communities see it first-hand - trash washing up to the shores, plastic bags being caught on coral reefs, ghost nets trapping marine animals. It's devastating. Everyone has a role to play if we are to find sustainable solutions to this problem, and this initiative by 7-Eleven Malaysia is a perfect example of how companies can play a role”.

Sharing the same sentiment, General Manager of Juara Turtle Project, Tom Woodford, said, “We are really grateful to 7-Eleven Malaysia for stepping up and recognising that big companies need to help lead the way to changing how we use plastics. Plastic based marine debris is a massive problem for our marine life, including but not exclusive to the sea turtles that we work with here at JTP. We hope that this campaign will inspire people to change their behaviour and to make their own little contribution to protecting our ocean.”

While shopping for your reusable bags at 7-Eleven stores, you may perform another kind act for your local community by contributing to 7-Eleven Malaysia’s Kotak Putih campaign. At the same time, do check out exclusive products such as HY BTS Special Package coffee, Magnum Chocolate Truffle, Nescafe Gula Melaka, and Wonda Masala Spice Coffee, among others.

For more information on the latest #TrashToTreasure Reusable Bag Campaign, visit www.7eleven.com.my or its official social media pages at 7ElevenMalaysia.

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About 7-Eleven Malaysia

7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad through its subsidiary 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is the owner and operator of 7-Eleven stores in Malaysia. Incorporated on 4 June 1984, 7-Eleven Malaysia has made its mark in the retailing scene and has been a prominent icon for over 37 years. 7-Eleven Malaysia is the pioneer and largest 24-hour standalone convenience store operator in Malaysia with over 2,400 outlets nationwide and serves more than 1 million customers daily. 7-Eleven stores can be found across bustling commercial districts to serene suburban residential compounds throughout Malaysia, from petrol stations and LRT stations to shopping malls and medical institutions. 7-Eleven is Always There For You. To learn more, please visit our website at www.7-eleven.com.my.

About Reef Check Malaysia

Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) is part of the world-wide Reef Check network. Registered in Malaysia in 2007 as an NGO, RCM's early work was focused on coral reef monitoring and island based educational programs. Today, RCM monitors over 200 coral reefs annually around the country and runs resilience-based programmes for island communities. In addition, RCM is actively involved in marine debris awareness, waste management, and plastic recycling programmes and has been leading the annual International Coastal Cleanup event in Malaysia.

About Juara Turtle Project

Juara Turtle Project is a community-based marine conservation organisation, located on Tioman Island off the south east coast of Malaysia. For the last 14 years JTP has worked together with the Malaysian Department of Fisheries to conserve sea turtles, their eggs and their natural habitat. JTP's mission statement “To work with the local community to manage threats to the local sea turtle population” is representative of the work they do and how they attempt to deal with a wide range of marine conservation issues that not only affect turtles, but the marine ecosystem as a whole. To find out more, visit www.juaraturtleproject.com or check out their social media pages at Facebook and Instagram.

RM205,000 food aid donated by SC Johnson amplifies the need to support remote island communities around Malaysia

11 islands in Malaysia received RM205,000 worth of food aid from SC Johnson, a global manufacturer of household consumer and professional products, with the assistance of Reef Check Malaysia (RCM), to ease the burdens and challenges faced by remote island communities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

KUALA LUMPUR (29 July 2021)

RCM works closely with communities on a number of islands across Peninsular and East Malaysia. It is clear that their livelihoods have been severely impacted due to the loss of tourism, for many islanders the main economic activity.

Alvin Chelliah, Senior Programme Manager of RCM and leader of the Cintai Tioman programme, shares,

“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen with our own eyes how island communities are struggling - even those who we did not think would be in need of assistance. Many on the islands worked in the tourism industry - resorts, dive centres, restaurants, all catered to tourists. Now, they are left with no income for months.”

Transporting of food aid to Mabul Island and Larapan Island

The RM205,000 food aid programme is expected to serve 2100 families across all the islands, with a budget of around RM90 per household. As of today, food aid has been successfully distributed to Redang, Tioman, Mantanani, Mabul and Larapan Island. Over the next few weeks, it will be distributed to Perhentian and the Mersing Islands. RCM is working closely with local community leaders to arrange distribution to those most in need.

Food aid distribution in Redang Island (left), Tioman Island (middle), Mantanani Island (right)

Rommy Aziz, a local fisherman on Mantanani Island who sold seafood pre-COVID-19 to tourists visiting Mantanani Island, was one of the recipients of the food aid. Rommy shares,

“I am so thankful for the food aid that has been donated to us by SC Johnson to help with our burdens. Much thanks also go out to Jawatankuasa Pembangunan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JPKK) and Reef Check Malaysia for handling the arrangements.”

General Manager of RCM, Julian Hyde, said:

“Island communities live in a fragile ecosystem – small island surrounded by the sea. We need to keep up the #kitajagakita spirit and work together to put the lives of the disadvantaged first”.

In July, the government announced a food basket programme to support those in need. For more information on how to apply for this program, please visit: https://portalsemakan.com/bakul-prihatin-negara/

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About Reef Check Malaysia

Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) is part of the world-wide Reef Check network. Registered in Malaysia in 2007 as an NGO, RCM's early work was focused on coral reef monitoring and island based educational programs.  Today, RCM monitors over 200 coral reefs annually around the country and is actively involved in reef management and conservation efforts.

About SC Johnson

SC Johnson is a family company dedicated to innovative, high-quality products, excellence in the workplace and a long-term commitment to the environment and the communities in which it operates. Based in the USA, the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, pest control and shoe care, as well as professional products. It markets such well-known brands as GLADE®, KIWI®, OFF!®, PLEDGE®, RAID®, SCRUBBING BUBBLES®, SHOUT®, WINDEX® and ZIPLOC® in the U.S. and beyond, with brands marketed outside the U.S. including LYSOFORM®, AUTAN®, BAYGON®, BRISE®, KABIKILLER®, KLEAR®, MR MUSCLE® and RIDSECT®. The 135-year-old company, which generates $10 billion in sales, employs approximately 13,000 people globally and sells products in virtually every country around the world. www.scjohnson.com

Reef Check Malaysia releases 2020 annual survey report; urges stakeholders to play their part

Reef Check Malaysia has published its 2020 report on the status and health of coral reefs around Malaysia. The report concludes that, while overall coral reef health is reported to be in fair condition, some areas are showing signs of decline that need to be addressed. The surveys are a continuation of a National Reef Check Survey Programme that has now run for 14 years.

Kuala Lumpur (19 April 2021)

A total of 210 sites across Malaysia were surveyed in 2020. The results indicate that the average live coral cover, a key health indicator, is 41.3%, receiving a “fair” rating. This is a slight increase on 2019 (40.63%), reversing a slow decline that has been observed for 5 years. However, the average masks a wide range, and many sites recorded indicators of disturbance. Pollution, Crown of Thorns (COT – a coral eating starfish), fish bombing and tourism impacts appear to be the greatest threats facing coral reefs in Malaysia.

Coral reefs are valuable, economically and biologically. Lau Chai Ming, manager of the survey programme and co-author of the report, explains:

“Coral reefs are a source of both food and jobs for coastal communities. Islands like Tioman and Perhentian rely on reefs for tourism, which is the mainstay of the economy. Not only that, but they are important biologically, providing a habitat and breeding ground for a third of marine species. Put simply – no reefs, no fish. On a broader scale, they can connect ecosystems over large areas. Tioman, for example, is part of a reef system that has been identified by scientists as among the 50 most important reefs in the world – reef areas that we simply can’t afford to lose. It’s that important.”

The report calls for stronger local management, with the participation of local stakeholders, to ensure their interests are taken into account. Julian Hyde, General Manager of Reef Check Malaysia, said: “The results for the whole of Malaysia suggest little change on previous years. But this highlights the importance of looking at the data site by site. There is a wide range in Live Coral Cover (LCC), for example – from over 80% to just 5%. So it is clear that some sites are very healthy, while others are heavily impacted – even though they can be quite close to each other. This supports the argument for strengthening local management capacity, so that individual problem areas can receive more attention. And involving local stakeholders can increase buy-in to management objectives and programmes.”

The report also notes the importance of incorporating resilience concepts into reef management. Resilience describes the ability of an ecosystem to recover from external shocks – such as those that are expected as climate change impacts grow. Hyde says:

“There are actually some very simple, low cost measures that can be taken to improve reef health. Making sure waste is well-managed, supervising divers and snorkelling operations to reduce physical impacts to reefs, improving sewage treatment to reduce pollution – some of these measures can be implemented quickly and cheaply and can improve reef health in the short term.

So it’s not the end of the world – but we do have to take action now. We are living in an era where there is increasing concern about biodiversity conservation. We can all help to conserve Malaysia’s marine biodiversity.”

The report also notes the importance of incorporating resilience concepts into reef management. Resilience describes the ability of an ecosystem to recover from external shocks – such as those that are expected as climate change impacts grow. Hyde says: “There are actually some very simple, low cost measures that can be taken to improve reef health. Making sure waste is well-managed, supervising divers and snorkelling operations to reduce physical impacts to reefs, improving sewage treatment to reduce pollution – some of these measures can be implemented quickly and cheaply and can improve reef health in the short term. So it’s not the end of the world – but we do have to take action now. We are living in an era where there is increasing concern about biodiversity conservation. We can all help to conserve Malaysia’s marine biodiversity.”

The report also notes the importance of incorporating resilience concepts into reef management. Resilience describes the ability of an ecosystem to recover from external shocks – such as those that are expected as climate change impacts grow. Hyde says: “There are actually some very simple, low cost measures that can be taken to improve reef health. Making sure waste is well-managed, supervising divers and snorkelling operations to reduce physical impacts to reefs, improving sewage treatment to reduce pollution – some of these measures can be implemented quickly and cheaply and can improve reef health in the short term. So it’s not the end of the world – but we do have to take action now. We are living in an era where there is increasing concern about biodiversity conservation. We can all help to conserve Malaysia’s marine biodiversity.”

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About Reef Check Malaysia

Reef Check was established in the USA in 1996 to raise awareness on the importance of, and threats to, coral reefs. The local chapter, Reef Check Malaysia (RCM), was registered in 2007 as a non-profit company to engage with local stakeholders to protect, restore and revive coral reefs in Malaysia. Its surveys have highlighted various problems facing coral reefs in Malaysia, including overfishing, pollution and sedimentation from land-based development.

RCM also conducts education and awareness programmes for schools, organisations and local communities. It runs coral reef rehabilitation programmes that contribute towards the scientific understanding of coral reef ecology.

 Reef Check is active in 82 countries and territories throughout the world. Visit www.reefcheck.org.my for more information. The 2020 Annual Survey Report (and previous years) is available for download at https://www.reefcheck.org.my/annual-reports