RCM's Impact Report 2021 - 2025

Explore our RCM Impact Report 2021 – 2025 to discover the progress, milestones and lessons that have shaped our conservation journey. From protecting marine ecosystems to empowering coastal communities, learn how our collective efforts are creating meaningful change and contributing to a more sustainable future for our oceans.

Read Our Impact Report Here

Julian Hyde, CEO

The past five years have been a defining period for Reef Check Malaysia (RCM). As marine ecosystems faced growing pressures from climate change, pollution and unsustainable human activities, our team has grown by 50% as we remain committed to protecting coral reefs and other critical marine ecosystems, while empowering coastal communities to become stewards of their natural resources.

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Our Impact Metric By Metric

5 hectares

of marine habitat restored across more than 30 reef rehabilitation sites.

Average of 44.51%

of national Live Coral Cover over the past 5 years

206 to 326 reef sites

actively monitored across Malaysia’s three ecoregions Peninsular West Coast, Peninsular East Coast and Sabah.

30,500 kg

of abandoned, lost or discarded fishing nets retrieved from Malaysia’s reef systems

18,000

Crown-of-Thorns starfish (COTs) removed

600,000 kg

of marine and coastal waste removed

>112,000 kg successfully recycled from waste management and coastal stewardship activities.

Almost 990,000 pieces of plastics items

are removed from the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) efforts between 2022 and 2025*

* ICC data is reported for four years (2022–2025) due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

Get The Full Metrics Here

2021-2025 Highlights

2021

Apart from continuing our marine conservation work when the rules of lockdown eased, our team look to helping our community who were affected by the pandemic. From this, we learned that helping our communities also means helping our reefs.

2022

We embarked on a new mission to train local islanders to be part of our Community Marine Conservation Groups (CMCGs). From having one community-based conservation group in Tioman, the network expanded with the establishment of CMCGs in Redang and Semporna.

2023

To protect the biodiversity and local communities in Tioman, we campaigned against the building of a new airport in Tioman Island.

2024

Malaysia’s reefs were affected by the 4th mass coral bleaching event. We activated the Bleaching Response Plan (now known as the Malaysia Bleaching Response Plan) and conducted regular bleaching monitoring exercises to collect data, communicated with the relevant stakeholders including the public and trained reef managers on how to manage coral bleaching.

2025

Our experiences made us come to the realisation that we needed to also focus on policy advocacy. Our goal is to advocate for community participatory frameworks and our journey has enabled us to learn the path to navigate the current system.

Operations Highlights

Growing Our Team and Local Presence

Alongside the growth of our team and expansion to new locations, we also strengthened and expanded our network of Community Marine Conservation Groups (CMCGs) across the islands.

Strengthening Communications

We strengthened our communications through strategic storytelling and digital engagement, with our ambassadors, Baki Zainal and Sharifah Sofia, helping to amplify the voices of marine conservation.

Strengthening Partnerships

Our partnerships with government agencies have been central to advancing marine conservation in Malaysia. From reef monitoring and rehabilitation to research, capacity building and community engagement, we work together to strengthen marine ecosystem management.

Investing in Our Systems

We strengthened our digital infrastructure through Microsoft 365 and improved cybersecurity across staff devices, enabling better communication, collaboration and more secure operations across our locations in Malaysia.

Income

Over the years, RCM has diversified its income sources. While grants, sponsorships and donations continue to play an important role, revenue from sales, consultancy and training has created additional opportunities to strengthen our financial sustainability.

Programme Allocation

More than 80% of our expenditure went directly towards conservation programmes, with the remainder supporting science, stakeholder engagement, organisational development, administration and other essential functions that sustain our work across Malaysia.

Stories from the Field

From Islanders to Conservation Leaders

From community members to conservation team members, their journeys reflect the impact of empowering local communities. Meet three of our colleagues who began their conservation journey through our school programmes and Community Marine Conservation Groups (CMCGs) and have since grown into key members of the Reef Check Malaysia team.

Community Marine Conservation Groups (CMCGs)

Hear directly from our Community Marine Conservation Groups (CMCGs) members about what inspires them to protect their islands and care for their marine environment.

Mantanani Homestays

The ladies of Mantanani Island shared how their journey began with training organised by Reef Check Malaysia, grew through improvements to their businesses, and has now led them to share their experiences with other communities.

Waste Management

While waste management was never our primary focus, we recognised its importance in protecting the health of our coral reefs and wider marine ecosystems. Community participation has always been central to our approach, and over time, we have continued to strengthen our waste management systems by building on the lessons and experience gained through our work on the ground.

How the Community on Pulau Selakan Is Rebuilding Its Waters

Through training and capacity building, the community in Selakan Island has grown in confidence and skills to take an active role in marine conservation. Their continued participation and commitment have been key to this growth and they have now become stewards of their marine environment.

Key Lessons In Community Engagement

A reflection on our journey alongside the community, the lessons we’ve learned and the meaningful moments that have shaped our work together. Discover how these experiences continue to strengthen our approach to community-led marine conservation.

Read Our Impact Report Here

Connect With Us

  • Reef Check Malaysia, Lot 5.19-5.22, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, 50450, Malaysia
  • 03-9771 9742
  • hello@reefcheck.org.my
  • Box 606, Lot 5.19-5.22, Wisma Central, Jalan Ampang, 50450, Kuala Lumpur.

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