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, 18 MARCH 2024 – The vibrant community of Pulau Redang, Terengganu, has taken an active role in safeguarding their marine ecosystem, with a particular focus on restoring coral reefs. Spearheading this conservation movement is Reef Check Malaysia, which has successfully trained local youths in collaboration with its dedicated initiative, the Redang Marine Conservation Group (RMCG).

Under the expert guidance of Reef Check Malaysia’s Cintai Redang team, six local individuals have undergone comprehensive training. Celebrating its one-year anniversary, RMCG proudly reports remarkable accomplishments: the rescue of 750 coral fragments, the removal of 274kg of ghost nets, and the elimination of 89 Crown-of-Thorns starfish (COTS), a notorious coral predator. They also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SK Pulau Redang to promote awareness on coral reef conservation.

This programme is supported by Yayasan Hasanah and the Ministry of Finance Malaysia, along with the National Conservation Trust Fund (NCTF).

The team’s success is also largely attributed to the development of a National Community-based Coral Rehabilitation Toolkit which was in the works in the past year and was piloted by RMCG.

“The toolkit serves as a comprehensive guidebook, providing effective strategies for coral reef rehabilitation that can be utilized by any community committed to coral conservation.” shared Putri Asma, Programme Manager of Cintai Redang.

The toolkit was prepared by Reef Check Malaysia with support from Coralku, Universiti Malaya Terengganu, and Universiti Malaya, and is funded by the National Conservation Trust Fund (NCTF), under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.

The toolkit features advice on how to assess and select suitable sites, what practical techniques are available, and how to monitor and maintain the rehabilitation process to ensure long term success. Additionally, it also guides communities on how to develop a programme to involve tourists in rehabilitation efforts, providing a source of income to help keep the programme going.

“We envision the toolkit inspiring greater community participation, fostering a collective commitment to the well-being of our precious coral reefs” added Putri.

For more information on Reef Check Malaysia, you can visit their website, Facebook and Instagram or contact them at hello@reefcheck.org.my.

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