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, 23 FEBRUARY 2022 – Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) has published its annual report on the Status of Coral Reefs in Malaysia, 2021. Covering over 200 sites around Malaysia, the report reveals that Live Coral Cover (LCC), a key indicator of reef health, increased slightly to 44% from 41% in 2020.

The annual survey programme – running for 15 years now, covers over 200 sites around Malaysia. Surveys are conducted by RCM staff, government agencies and volunteers. Ms Chen Sue Yee, Programme Manager in charge of the report, said that:

“while the increase in LCC is to be welcomed, there are also a number of indicators that show coral reef health is being damaged by a variety of impacts including pollution, marine debris and warm water bleaching.”

With reefs and other marine ecosystems under increasing pressure from climate change, RCM has launched a year-long campaign to raise awareness of ocean conservation issues.

RCM’s General Manager, Julian Hyde said that

“Scientists are increasingly concerned about the health of the ocean, and the ecosystems in it, including coral reefs. But the problem with the ocean is that so few people know just how much we benefit from a healthy ocean. And as a coastal nation, whose marine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) area is greater than its land area – this is particularly important for Malaysia”.

A recent report by Deloitte highlights some important, but little known facts, about the ocean. Half of the oxygen we breath comes from the ocean. It is an important carbon sink, absorbing about one third of human carbon emissions. Coastal ecosystems including mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs provide free and natural protection against flooding, and are a nursery and habitat for many marine species that provide food for local communities. Data from Marine Parks Malaysia suggest that the total economic value of the East coast Parks could be up to RM 7.8 billion.

Hyde continues “the ocean is receiving increasing attention for its biodiversity and as an important provider of ecosystem services. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is currently being negotiated and will put in place important targets and strategies for protecting and managing our oceans, including increasing protected areas. We support this, and we want more Malaysians to be aware of what the issues are, hence this ocean literacy campaign”.

The campaign, which begins in March, will include webinars, social media posts and talks to address ocean conservation issues. Follow RCM on Facebook or Instagram @reefcheckmalaysia to get updates and resources on the ocean literacy campaign.

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