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, 8 MAY 2023 – Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) is concerned that current unseasonal weather conditions might lead to widespread coral bleaching over the next few weeks.

RCM together with scientists from University Malaya (UM) and University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), are monitoring the mass coral spawning event that happens around this time of year.

Coral spawning describes the act of corals releasing gametes into the ocean, which then settle to form new coral colonies, and eventually new reefs. So-called “mass” coral spawning occurs when numerous species spawn at the same time, a phenomenon that occurs on cues from the lunar cycle and water temperature.

Corals spawn by releasing their gametes into the ocean

Coral reefs in Tioman Island usually spawn around the full moon of April and October/ November. However, RCM’s team has observed that corals at some of their monitoring sites did not spawn until yesterday, a month later than expected.

“The erratic weather we have been experiencing could have delayed the spawning this year. The worrying part, however, is the water was 31C last night. If it remains this hot, we are definitely going to be hit by bleaching this year,” shared Alvin Chelliah, Senior Progamme Manager of Reef Check Malaysia.

When corals are stressed, they expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues which leads to them losing their colour and exposing the white calcium carbonate skeleton underneath – hence the term “bleaching”. They not only lose their colour, they also lose their main source of nutrients, which comes from the zooxanthellae. Mass coral bleaching events may result in the death of coral colonies and affect the wellbeing of marine life and industries that depend on healthy coral reefs.

Coral bleaching happens when corals lose their colour

“Coral reefs are extremely sensitive to the growing impacts of climate change. Marine life are not the only losers due to the loss of our coral reefs. Marine-based tourism could suffer and so will the local businesses and community in the area. No coral reefs means there will be no habitat, nursery, and food for fish. Fishermen will suffer and there are also implications for our food supply” stressed Julian Hyde, General Manager of Reef Check Malaysia.

The last mass coral bleaching event happened in 2010 when Malaysia’s coral reefs suffered major damage, with an estimated 5-10% of corals dying. Based on RCM’s annual surveys, it took five years for the coral reefs to recover.

RCM has also stated their recommendations on how to better protect our coral reefs in their annual survey 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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