KUALA LUMPUR, 10 SEPTEMBER 2024 – Reef Check Malaysia’s Kod Blue: Laut Needs You 2024 (Kod Blue 2024) is part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC). Volunteers for Kod Blue 2024, which happened on 7 September, collectively collected 757.7kg of trash from the beach cleanup and 50.8kg of trash from the underwater cleanup. The underwater cleanup team also removed 62 coral predators, the Crown-of-Thorns starfish (COT). The trash collected largely comprised of plastic water bottles (1,935 bottles), foam dock pieces (580 pieces) and footwear (243 slippers/shoes)

Kod Blue 2024 volunteers all ready to do their cleanups

“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,” said Theresa Ng, Chief Operating Officer of Reef Check Malaysia. “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 second event in the series featured a conservation talk by Reef Check Malaysia’s Chief Programmes 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.

Volunteers segregated trash according to types

The event 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 are grateful to our sponsors for their generous sponsorship and support for Kod Blue 2024.” commented Theresa.

“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.” added Theresa.

Every year, millions of tons of trash—including an estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic waste—flows into the ocean, impacting more than 800 marine species and even entering the food chain.

“When I first heard about Kod Blue 2024, I was excited, and I think it is a good chance to be part of conservation work with experts in the field. It was not easy to make time for this event, but I am very happy I did. I get to meet like-minded people, and I enjoy every second of the activities. I have a lot of takeaways from this event” commented Yvonne Jong, one of the underwater participants of Kod Blue 2024.

Kod Blue 2024 participants also removed Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) which are coral predators

"Although Kod Blue has concluded, the ICC continues worldwide throughout September. In Malaysia, Reef Check Malaysia coordinates the ICC, with Saturday, 21 September set as this year’s ICC day,” added Theresa. "We invite all volunteers to join us for beach cleanups across Malaysia on 21 September! Simply email us at cleanup@reefcheck.org.my to participate or list your cleanup."

A TMCG member who supported our cleanup weighed all trash collected

Cleanup volunteers contribute to the world’s largest database on marine debris by logging the trash they collect in Ocean Conservancy’s award-nominated Clean Swell® app (available for free download from the App Store and Google Play).

Data from these cleanups are vital for scientists, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers, informing policies and solutions to the marine debris crisis. Last year alone, cleanup data supported a ban on balloon releases in Florida, U.S.A., the introduction of the Farewell to Foam Act in the U.S. Congress, and negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty.

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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