South of Johor Updates:

January – March 2026

Looking Ahead in Pasir Gogok

In Kampung Pasir Gogok, a recent town hall brought the community together to talk about what’s happening along their coastline and what can be done next.

Residents shared what they’ve been seeing on the ground, from changes along the shoreline to the need for better protection. There was strong interest in starting mangrove restoration efforts, along with opportunities to be involved in related livelihood activities. What stood out to us was the willingness of the community to take part not just in discussions, but in the work ahead.

With restoration and training activities planned for 2026, this feels like a good starting point for building something together with the community at the centre of it.

Town Hall discussion session

From Learning to Action Along the Coast

Students from SMK Tanjung Datuk and SK Kampung Baru Pasir Gogok took part in a series of hands-on activities, from exploring coastal habitats to restoring them. At Desaru, the SMK Tanjung Datuk students stepped into the intertidal zone during low tide, observing marine life and coastal ecosystems up close. Over at Pulau Tanjung Surat, they explored mangrove forests and nearby village areas, learning how these important ecosystems support both nature and local communities while also learning the history of the island community.

Back in Kampung Baru Pasir Gogok, learning turned into action. Students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Baru Pasir Gogok planted 71 mangrove saplings that they had previously nurtured, working alongside teachers and parents to restore coastal habitats.

Mangrove walk session

Planting mangrove saplings

Checkout these stories

Let’s Talk About Management (Part 2)

In an earlier post, I talked about the management of marine resources in Malaysia – what it is we are managing and some of the key challenges. I highlighted what I think are some gaps in management; this article looks at how we can fill some of those gaps. Defining...

read more

Updates From Sabah: July – September 2022

Underwater Clean-up in Tunku Abdul Rahman ParkIn conjunction with the 48th Anniversary of The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Reef Check Malaysia organised an underwater clean-up in the park area. This event was conducted together with Sabah Parks and Ministry of Tourism,...

read more

Cintai Mantanani: July – September 2022

A series of recycling activities was conducted with volunteers from Camps Borneo International, during which these volunteers took the opportunity to learn how to make virgin coconut oil (VCO) soap from the local Mantanani villagers. Beginning the month of July,...

read more

Checkout these stories

Let’s Talk About Management (Part 2)

In an earlier post, I talked about the management of marine resources in Malaysia – what it is we are managing and some of the key challenges. I highlighted what I think are some gaps in management; this article looks at how we can fill some of those gaps. Defining...

read more

Updates From Sabah: July – September 2022

Underwater Clean-up in Tunku Abdul Rahman ParkIn conjunction with the 48th Anniversary of The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Reef Check Malaysia organised an underwater clean-up in the park area. This event was conducted together with Sabah Parks and Ministry of Tourism,...

read more

Cintai Mantanani: July – September 2022

A series of recycling activities was conducted with volunteers from Camps Borneo International, during which these volunteers took the opportunity to learn how to make virgin coconut oil (VCO) soap from the local Mantanani villagers. Beginning the month of July,...

read more