Protect Coral Reefs in Malaysia

Reef Check Malaysia’s team in Mersing Island has been making steady progress on waste management and reef protection efforts.

Recently, our Cintai Mersing team hosted a Waste Management and Rumah Kitar Semula (Recycling Centre) demonstration, supported by the Pulau Sibu community. The event brought together 48 participants from Pulau Tinggi and three officers from the Mersing District Council. Participants learned about ongoing waste management initiatives on Pulau Sibu and Pulau Tinggi, followed by a hands-on demonstration of the recycling machinery at Rumah Kitar Semula, Pulau Sibu. One of officers had the opportunity to test out ourglass crushing machine, which will crush used and cleaned glass bottles into fine sand. In Tioman Island where we have the same machine, the crushed glass/ sand is used to make blocks used in our reef rehabilitation efforts. The session was a great example of how community-led action can reduce waste and help keep the islands clean and healthy.

At the same time, our Mersing Marine Conservation Group (MMCG) carried out four underwater cleanup sessions around Pulau Aur, successfully collecting 63 kg of marine debris over the past few months. Most of the debris consisted of ropes and discarded fishing nets — materials that pose serious threats to coral reefs and marine life. These cleanups not only help restore reef health but also give MMCG members valuable hands-on experience in safeguarding their marine environment.