14.5 – Maintaining a Local Ecosystem

14.5.4 – Collaboration for Shared Aquatic Ecosystems

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) exemplifies its commitment to sustainable aquatic stewardship through impactful collaborations, uniting key stakeholders in initiatives that protect and maintain shared aquatic ecosystems. The program brings together government bodies, NGOs, and local communities in efforts to preserve vital waterways like the river and beach. These initiatives incorporate water bodies cleaning, educational awareness, and inspiring collective responsibility for aquatic health. By championing these partnerships, UKM not only advances local conservation goals but also cultivates a generation of advocates dedicated to the resilience and preservation of Malaysia’s aquatic ecosystems.

Collaboration for Maintain Shared Aquatic Ecosystems Programs

No	Collaboration for Maintain Shared Aquatic Ecosystems Programs
1	Coral Conservation Mission by Etiqa General Takaful Berhad (EGTB), EKOMAR and LEGES Divers
2	Beach Cleaning Program by Langkawi Research Center (PPL), ALAF-UKM with TNC HEPI, UKM Bikers and Kg Kilim Cooperative, Langkawi
3	Beach Cleaning Program at Pulau Pasir Panjang Beach Langkawi Research Center (PPL)-UUM
4	World Cleanup Day Program by The Malaysian Islamic Girls Movement (Pergerakan Puteri Islam Malaysia, PPIM)) at EKOMAR-UKM
5	Beach Clean-Up With Universiti Bengkulu Dan Trash Hero Mersing

1. Coral Conservation Mission by Etiqa General Takaful Berhad (EGTB), EKOMAR and LEGES Divers

A total of 40 volunteers in collaboration with Etiqa General Takaful Bhd. (EGTB), Leges Divers, Marine Ecosystem Research Center (EKOMAR) ALAF-UKM and the Malaysian Fisheries Department, carried out a three-day coral conservation mission in Kampung Salang, Pulau Tioman from 19 to 21 July 2024. The effort included monitoring coral health, conducting educational workshops, and extending Amal Jariah donations to the Pulau Tioman community, which demonstrated EGTB’s commitment to sustainability and community well-being.

According to Reef Check (Malaysia) Chief Programme Officer Alvin Chelliah, more corals have begun to bleach due to the recent heatwave in April and May, with an average of 25 per cent coral bleaching recorded in Johor and Pahang. The Malaysian Fisheries Department has encouraged EGTB to monitor coral health to help determine future conservation measures in saving the coral reefs in Kampung Salang, Pulau Tioman.

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2. Beach Cleaning Program by Langkawi Research Center (PPL), ALAF-UKM with TNC HEPI, UKM Bikers and Kg Kilim Cooperative, Langkawi

On 27 January 2024, UKM Natural and Physical Laboratory Management Centre (ALAF-UKM) carried out the Beach Cleanup activity together with the UKM Bikers and the Kg. Kilim Cooperative. The program was enlivened by the presence of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research & Innovation Affairs, Professor Dato’ Dr. Wan Kamal Mujani and the Director of CRIM, Prof. Ts. Dr. Muhammad Rahimi Yusop. Plastic wastes, various types of discarded items and other pollutants along the coast of Pulau Pasir Panjang were collected and properly disposed. Continuous beach clean-ups by actively involving local communities can make beaches cleaner and safer, protect marine ecosystems and ensure the sustainability of nature for future generations. This also fulfills the intention of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which is to improve the sustainability of life in the water through beach clean-ups.

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3. Beach Cleaning Program at Pulau Pasir Panjang Beach Langkawi Research Center (PPL)-UUM

The Pasir Panjang Island Beach Cleaning Program was held on 19 September 2024. Involving 35 students and staff of Langkawi Research Center (PPL) UKM and students from Inasis Bank Muamalat, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Apart from beach cleaning, activities also involve exploration to various sites including the Kilim Geopark, Eagle Watching, Fish Cage and Kilim Pinnacle before. This program exposed participants with the natural resources and biodiversity of Langkawi Island, and the importance of their conservation for future generations. The program had improved the quality of nearby marine coastal waters. Removal of marine litter and debris washed ashore prevents them from reentering the sea and polluting the environment.

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4. World Cleanup Day Program by The Malaysian Islamic Girls Movement (Pergerakan Puteri Islam Malaysia, PPIM)) at EKOMAR-UKM

On 28 Sept 2024, Marine Ecosystem Research Center (EKOMAR), ALAF-UKM in collaboration with the Mersing District Council, the The Malaysian Islamic Girls Movement (Pergerakan Puteri Islam Malaysia, PPIM) Negeri Johor, SWCorp, SWM Environment and Trash Hero (Mersing Branch) have conducted the World Cleanup Day Program, which was successfully held at the Tanjung Resang Beach, Mersing. World Cleanup Day is a global social action program to combat the solid waste problem and marine debris.

This program is a very meaningful initiative by bringing together various parties to raise awareness about environmental protection through beach cleaning as well as several side activities such as waste collection and weighing competitions, collage competitions, and fashion competitions using recycled materials. More than 500 members of primary and secondary school PPIMs throughout Johor participate in this program. This initiative provides an opportunity for the younger generation to be directly involved in environmental conservation efforts. The program also provides education on social responsibility and the positive effects that can be produced through collective action.

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5. Beach Clean-Up With Universiti Bengkulu Dan Trash Hero Mersing

On 25 June 2024, the Marine Ecosystem Research Center (EKOMAR) ALAF-UKM joined hands with Trash Hero Malaysia (Mersing Branch) and students from the University of Bengkulu, Indonesia to hold a beach cleaning activity, which was successfully held at Tanjung Resang Beach, Mersing. This activity aims to promote awareness on marine debris and their impact on marine life. More than 141 kg of garbage have successfully been collected and properly disposed of. Congratulations to all participants who have worked together to ensure that our beaches are always clean and remain preserved for the sake of sustainability for future generations.

Source: www.ukm.my/alafukm/

Through its dynamic partnerships and hands-on initiatives, UKM continues to lead as a national model for collaborative aquatic ecosystem conservation. By uniting government agencies, NGOs, industries, schools, and local communities, UKM transforms awareness into collective environmental action, from coral restoration in Pulau Tioman to beach clean-up campaigns across Langkawi and Mersing. These programs not only remove marine debris and restore coastal health but also cultivate a culture of shared responsibility and environmental stewardship among Malaysians. Such collaboration-driven efforts embody the spirit of the UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030, reinforcing the university’s long-term vision of protecting aquatic biodiversity and promoting sustainable ecosystems. By empowering communities and inspiring the next generation to act, UKM strengthens both local and global movements toward SDG 14: Life Below Water, ensuring that Malaysia’s rivers, beaches and marine habitats remain vibrant and resilient for future generations.