Advancing Seaweed Farming in Larapan Island

Following the completion of the University of Malaya project in Selakan, 50kg of Eucheuma denticulatum seedlings and six seaweed cages were handed over to the Larapan community in July. Twenty community members, including JPKPL and LMCG representatives, received hands-on training from UM researchers on seaweed farming and took on responsibility for monitoring the cages. SMCG, who was trained by UM, has since transferred its knowledge by training the local community in Larapan too.

Preparing the seaweed seedlings for farming

The first harvest in September marked an encouraging step forward. The community harvested and replanted all six cages, producing a total of 68.35kg of seaweed. Of this, 12 kg was sold locally, generating RM48, while the remainder was distributed among local households. Overall, the harvest benefited 21 households and 194 people through sales and free distribution.

The community is now assessing the growth and potential of seaweed farming as an alternative livelihood, with future expansion depending on the success of the next growing cycle. 

Locals lowering the structure for seaweed farming

Strengthening Larapan’s Community Protocol

In July, the Jawatankuasa Protokol Kampung Pulau Larapan (JPKPL) and RCM jointly organised an introductory workshop on Larapan’s Community Protocol (CP) with support from the Semporna District Office and Sabah Biodiversity Council (SaBC).

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including the Marine Police, Department of Fisheries Sabah, UMS-Marine Borneo Institute, Sabah Parks, Majlis Daerah Semporna, TRPD, Sabah Tourism Board and Sabah Wildlife Department, among others. JPKPL members shared the progress of the CP and its current draft, followed by thematic group discussions where stakeholders provided feedback based on their respective areas of expertise.

The inputs gathered will help JPKPL refine the CP before its next step, which is to engage relevant agencies directly to review and work towards formalising the Protocol. This activity is part of a project supported by The Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature (OCEAN) Grants Programme.

Waste Management Progress in Kg. Sri Aman

RCM continued working with the Kampung Sri Aman Waste Management Committee to strengthen community-based waste management. At the third committee meeting in August, the latest waste collection data was shared, while discussions focused on the upcoming fourth community engagement session and gotong-royong, as well as feedback and suggestions from the committee.

Members of the Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Sampah Kampung Sri Aman

A few weeks later, the 4th Community Engagement Session brought together 83 households, JKKK representatives and the Village Head. The session updated residents on programme progress and waste collection data, refreshed waste segregation practices, and discussed the revised collection schedule. Community members also shared their experiences and challenges, with a gotong-royong planned as the next step to encourage continued participation and keep the village clean.

Ketua Kampung’s speech during the community engagement session

Developing Community Survey Skills

In September, several CMCG members joined a three-day Community Survey and Resource Mapping Training, gaining practical skills in conducting community interviews and documenting local resources.

The training covered individual fisher interviews, resource mapping and group interviews, with participants putting their skills into practice through fieldwork with the Pulau Mabul community. Participants also learned effective interviewing techniques, including how to ask questions and listen without influencing responses, while respecting local beliefs, customs and culture.

The training strengthens CMCG’s capacity to engage communities and collect meaningful information to support community-based conservation efforts.