Climate Action Malaysia Project #37985

Protect Coral Reefs in Malaysia

by Reef Check Malaysia

Project Report | Mar 6, 2025
Mersing Young Scientists take on the Marine World

By Cynthia | Education and Public Awareness Officer

Collecting sand for microplastics sampling

Our Reef Check Malaysia team based in Mersing recently teamed up with a few organisations to conduct the "Mersing Young Scientist" program for 20 students aged 15-18 years old from local schools around Mersing. The one-day program showcased the enthusiasm and dedication of the younger generation as they explored the world of marine science through various hands-on practical learning activities.

Some of the innovative activities that the students had the opportunity to participate in included microplastics analysis, assessment of marine debris and observing plankton under the expert guidance of researchers from a local university. These activities not only increased the level of awareness amongst the students, but it also opened their eyes to the reality of marine pollution due to marine debris and microplastics. It cultivated an interest in their minds to delve deeper into this challeging issue and also encouraged potential research skills in marine science.

We are delighted with this program's success. It demonstrated that with good cooperation and participation from researchers, industries and the local communities, they can lead environmental conservation efforts and develop more innovations in the field of marine science. We hope that this experience will continue to inspire the participants to continue with their mission to protect and conserve the marine ecosystem for a more sustainable future.

Sorting out marine debris

Analysing plankton samples

Group discussions led by RCM staff

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Feb 18, 2025
Success Story of 2024: Growth of the Community Marine Conservation Groups

By Cynthia | Education and Public Awareness Officer

Nov 19, 2024
Guardians of Mersing Island: Clean-ups and Recycling Efforts

By Cynthia | Education and Public Awareness Officer

Local community member removing a ghost net

Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) has been working in the Mersing group of islands for more than 5 years. We first began our project in a few islands around Mersing, spending time with the local villagers on these islands to understand their needs and issues. Today, our project has evolved into something much bigger and we still have the support of the local community members. In the last few months, our team has been working towards better management of waste on the island. All our efforts on the island complement one another, from skills training courses for local islanders, to education and awareness programs for all ages, to other marine ecosystem conservation programs. These are designed to include all our local stakeholders.

In the months of July to September, our Mersing team conducted and co-organised four underwater clean-ups at two islands around Mersing. Among our collaborators were the Mersing District Council, Johor National Parks (state park), Department of Fisheries Johor (state government body), a few other NGOs and the local community from both the islands as well as those from around Mersing. 35 divers joined the underwater clean-up, which resulted in the removal of 293kg of ghost nets and marine debris from the reefs.

In the last quarter, we launched the community recycling program in Aur Island by installing nine recycling bins made from BRC wire mesh. Each of these bins were built with the help of the island community and placed at various locations throughout two villages, where population density is among the highest. This recycling initiative was developed based on previous community consultation sessions with the island community. It aims to improve waste management on the island by focusing on recyclable items such as plastic bottles, metal cans, aluminium tins and glass bottles.

In the coming months, we will be conducting more community consultations to gather feedback on the current recycling program. We hope that with the continued support and participation of the island community, this recycling program will be come an integral part of Aur Island's waste management efforts.

Recycling bins placed around one of the villages

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