Reef Check Malaysia focuses on four core programmes that supplement one another to promote coral reef conservation and management in Malaysia.
EcoAction
Under our EcoAction programme, we train certified divers how to conduct Reef Check surveys, and organise an annual survey of coral reefs around Malaysia. The data collected over time reflect the changing status of coral reefs and indicate what steps can be taken to conserve them.
Currently, we monitor over 300 reef sites around Malaysia and we have trained more than 1000 EcoDivers.
science
We strive towards improving our understanding of coral reef science. We conduct reef rehabilitation programmes and reef resilience surveys in various islands, the results of which were used in management plans for the islands.
We have a Coral Bleaching Response plan that ensures effective communications and coordination of management efforts to protect coral reefs during bleaching events.
advocacy
We raise awareness of the importance of coral reefs and the valuable ecosystem services they provide. We are part of the National Management Team of Green Fins, which is an international programme that promotes good diving etiquette.
Currently, we have full-time staff based on Tioman Island, Mersing, and Mantanani Island running year-long community programmes.
management
We believe that without community involvement in the management of marine areas, they will not be successful.
One of our goals is to involve local communities in the management and conservation of their island’s resources.
“For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realize that, in order to survive, he must protect it.”
What We've Achieved in the last 10 years
First Reef Check survey programme - 2007
“Rainforest to Reef (R2R)” education programme - 2008
First Reef Check surveys in Sabah - 2009
The “Sustainable Island Programme (SIP)” - 2010
Reef resilience and reef rehabilitation efforts began - 2011
Office in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah - 2012
Monitor and combat fish bombing in Sabah - 2013
Office on Tioman Island & “Cintai Tioman” community programme - 2014
Co-management approach - 2015
Office on Mantanani Island (Sabah) & “Cintai Mantanani” community programme - 2016
Published management plans for Tioman, Mantanani and Sibu-Tinggi Islands - 2017
Established co-management committee for Sibu-Tinggi Island - 2018
Surveyed 201 sites in the annual Reef Check survey involving 64 volunteers - 2020
Established Cintai Redang and a new base in Semporna - 2022
Stopped construction of the
proposed new airport on Tioman
Island - 2023
Established 3 new conservation groups within the community in Semporna – 2023
