Govt steps up coral reef conservation as bleaching worsens
KUALA LUMPUR: Coral deaths are increasing and live coral cover is declining at six major Malaysian marine park islands following bleaching events linked to sea temperatures reaching as high as 35°C.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said monitoring by the Fisheries Department across 32 marine park islands had identified six experiencing significant environmental stress and deteriorating coral reef conditions.
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The islands are Redang, Perhentian, Kapas and Tenggol in Terengganu, Tioman in Pahang, and Payar in Kedah.
“Monitoring showed a decline in the percentage of live coral cover and an increase in coral mortality following bleaching caused by sea surface temperatures reaching between 32°C and 35°C,” he said in a written parliamentary reply dated Oct 20.
Mohamad was responding to Datuk Ahmad Amzad Mohamed (PN-Kuala Terengganu), who asked about the condition of Malaysia’s coral reef ecosystems and conservation measures for areas facing severe ecological stress.
He said the ministry was implementing measures involving marine habitat restoration, protected areas and enforcement to address threats to coral reef ecosystems.
A total of RM4 million had been allocated under the 13th Malaysia Plan for the Fisheries Sector Climate Change Action Plan 2024–2030, including rehabilitation and restoration programmes for degraded marine habitats.
Mohamad said another RM5 million had been allocated this year for the deployment of artificial reefs at 10 additional locations nationwide.
The artificial reefs are intended to reduce fishing pressure on natural coral formations while providing alternative habitats for marine life to shelter and reproduce.
Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 1,174 artificial reef units were deployed nationwide, with an allocation of RM20 million.
On marine conservation, Mohamad said 29,844.08 sq km of Malaysian waters had been gazetted as marine protected areas as of June this year. This represented 5.54% of the country’s waters, against the target of protecting 10% by 2030.
He said RM7.8 million had also been allocated under Budget 2026 to strengthen monitoring, control and surveillance to combat incursions by foreign fishing vessels and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities.
Enforcement under the Fisheries Act 1985 was also being strengthened to curb destructive fishing practices and other activities that threaten coral reefs.
These include unauthorised coral collection, the disposal of pollutants, habitat destruction and prohibited anchoring within marine parks and reserves.