Protect Coral Reefs in Malaysia

In order to reduce pressure on the reefs and seeing the abundance of coconut trees on Mantanani Island, producing and selling Virgin Coconut Oil as an alternative livelihood was introduced to Mantanani locals.

Prior to this project, coconut oil was produced on the island for personal use. With this project, for the first time, Mantanani locals managed to produce, market and sell to buyers, both on the island and mainland. Despite of this, the locals still need to find ways and better equipment to produce Virgin Coconut Oil that can last longer. Our team on Mantanani island are looking into these matters and working closely with the locals to help them in this venture.

With the end of monsoon season in Malaysia, we have started rolling out our annual Reef Check surveys around Malaysia. Since April, we have managed to complete surveys at Usukan Cove, Mabul, Kapalai and Tioman islands. Every year, we conduct surveys at over 200 sites around Malaysia.

Results from last year surveys showed that Malaysia’s reefs have fair level of living coral, at 41.32% and the abundance of most indicator fish and invertebrates is low. Key threats facing coral reefs in Malaysia are pollution, Crown-of-Thorns starfish, fish bombing and tourism impacts. Many of these threats can be addressed on a very local scale – at island level. Our team on Tioman, Mantanani and Mersing islands are working closely with local authorities and stakeholders to address these threats.

You can dowload our reports at https://www.reefcheck.org.my/annual-reports

Links:

• https://www.reefcheck.org.my/annual-reports

• 2020_Annual_Survey_Report.pdf (PDF)