Malaysia has lost coral reef coverage equivalent to 47,250 football fields as bleaching and tourism pressure continue to degrade its reefs.

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 — Malaysia has lost coral reef cover equivalent to 47,250 football fields over the past three years, as reef health continues to deteriorate, according to Reef Check Malaysia’s 2025 Annual Survey Report.

Based on surveys at 297 sites nationwide, the report found average live coral cover fell to 39.94 per cent in 2025, down from 44.65 per cent in 2024 and about 50 per cent in 2022 — representing a loss of roughly 20 per cent of coral cover since 2022.

Reef Check Malaysia chief executive officer Julian Hyde attributed the decline to factors including the 2024 Global Coral Bleaching Event, unsustainable tourism, pollution, coastal development and destructive fishing practices. Surveys also showed low populations of indicator fish and invertebrates, even within marine protected areas.

High levels of reef disturbance were recorded, with trash, discarded fishing gear and anchor damage common across sites. Coral bleaching was observed at more than two-thirds of surveyed locations, while a third of sites in Sabah showed damage linked to dynamite fishing.

Hyde said the findings highlight serious risks to coastal livelihoods, food security and tourism, which depends heavily on healthy marine ecosystems. Reef Check Malaysia has urged stronger reef protection, greater community involvement in marine management and a shift towards more sustainable tourism practices.