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, 26 JUNE 2024: Malaysia’s coral reefs are turning white due to a phenomenon called coral bleaching, a result of their being exposed to warm water for a prolonged period.

Reef Check Malaysia, a non-governmental organisation committed to healthy oceans, has been monitoring for coral bleaching since February 2024.

“We followed the steps in the Malaysia Bleaching Response Plan after receiving warning predictions of coral bleaching from the US National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Coral Reef Watch.

“The plan is primarily a communications strategy for all stakeholders during a bleaching event. It ensures everyone is informed about the situation and outlines the limited management responses available to reef managers.” said Julian Hyde, CEO of Reef Check Malaysia.

One key management response in the Bleaching Response Plan is frequent reef monitoring surveys. Reef Check Malaysia has been contributing to this monitoring effort, conducting bi-weekly surveys on coral reefs at Redang, Tioman, Besar Island (Johor), Larapan, Mabul and monthly surveys with Sabah Parks in Kota Kinabalu. We have also been receiving reports on bleaching from Scuba diving operators and leisure divers from Langkawi, Perhentian island, Darvel Bay, Sepanggar, Pom-pom and Mantanani Island via our online bleaching reporting forms.

Coral bleaching monitoring by Reef Check Malaysia and youths from Pemimpin Iklim Mabul in Mabul, Sabah

“In February bleaching was minimum and only affected around 5% of the population on some reefs. However, as temperatures remained high in April and May, we started recording more corals starting to bleach. The bleaching has been more severe in Terengganu with some reefs recording up to 80% of its population bleached. However down south in Johor and Phang we are recording around 25%. Over in Kota Kinabalu about 40% of the population was reported to be bleaching while in Semporna it was only around 14% on average”, commented Alvin Chelliah, Chief Programmes Officer of Reef Check Malaysia, based on Tioman Island.

Coral bleaching spotted in Pulau Pemanggil in Mersing

When asked what can be done in the event of mass coral bleaching happening, Julian commented, “We need to protect our reefs by reducing local threats. During the World Ocean Day weekend, we spoke with dive centers about measures to reduce pressure on reefs by avoiding most resilient sites and sites experiencing high levels of bleaching as well as by conducting coral predator removal, namely Crown of Thorns Starfish. The response was very positive as dive operators were eager to take actions that would promote recovery.

“But most importantly, we need to realise that climate change related impacts such as mass bleaching are only expected to increase in frequency and intensity in the future. What we really need to be doing is thinking long term and planning for the future, building reef resilience by controlling local impacts. This includes addressing issues like sewage pollution, physical damage, coastal development, solid waste pollution and unsustainable use of this precious natural resource. We are in talks with state and federal government agencies to foster collaboration in addressing these pressing issues.” added Alvin.

The public are also encouraged to report incidents of coral bleaching when diving or snorkelling to Reef Check Malaysia.

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.

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