DRT SHOW Malaysia 2025 - Mission Blue Malaysia Honoring Malaysia’s Leading Marine Conservation Organizations
DRT SHOW Malaysia 2025 - Mission Blue Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia –22 February 2025– As part of Mission Blue Malaysia at DRT SHOW Malaysia 2025, seven distinguished marine conservation organizations will be honored for their remarkable contributions to ocean conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainability efforts. This prestigious recognition highlights Malaysia’s commitment to safeguarding its marine ecosystems through scientific research, conservation programs, and public awareness campaigns.
The Department of Fisheries Malaysia, led by YBhg. Dato’ Adnan bin Hussain, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, has played an essential role in supporting these conservation initiatives. His leadership and dedication to marine sustainability and biodiversity protection have been instrumental in fostering collaboration among NGOs, government bodies, and local communities.
Recognizing Malaysia’s Leading Marine Conservation NGOs(To name a few of brands in no particular order.)
DiveHeart Malaysia – Empowering Adaptive Divers Through Inclusive Underwater Experiences
As a nonprofit organization, DiveHeart is dedicated to empowering individuals with physical and developmental disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, and stress disorders through the therapeutic power of scuba diving. By providing inclusive educational scuba programs, DiveHeart fosters physical rehabilitation and psychological well-being for children, adults, and veterans with disabilities.
Key achievements include:
International recognition for promoting adaptive diving tourism, as featured in Tourism Malaysia and Islamic Tourism platforms.
Partnerships with RHB Bank and Malaysian universities, expanding accessible diving programs for people with disabilities.
Collaborations with medical institutions such as University Malaya Medical Center and Hospital Rehabilitasi Cheras, integrating scuba diving into rehabilitation therapy.
Through these initiatives, DiveHeart has proven that the ocean is accessible to everyone, breaking barriers for adaptive divers worldwide.
Perhentian Marine Research Station (PMRS) – Community-Led Coral Reef and Seagrass Conservation
PMRS, established in 2017 by Fuze Ecoteer Outdoor Adventures, operates as a marine conservation station on Perhentian Island, Terengganu. The organization combines scientific research, stakeholder engagement, and bio-cultural conservation to protect the island’s fragile marine ecosystem. Through collaborative efforts with local communities, government agencies, and international volunteers, PMRS has significantly contributed to reef restoration, ghost net removal, and sustainable marine conservation.
Key achievements include:
●AnakPulau Program, training 28 islander youths as marine conservationists, 13 of whom are certified Reef Check EcoDivers.
●Ghost Net Removal, successfully clearing 1,125 kg of ghost nets from coral reefs (2022-2024).
●Marine Debris Cleanup Projects, removing 4,708.44 kg of waste from beaches and underwater environments (2017-2025).
●Biodiversity and Habitat Mapping, providing critical data for marine ecosystem management.
By empowering local communities through education and hands-on conservation, PMRS ensures long-term stewardship of Perhentian’s marine biodiversity.
Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU) – A Pioneer in Turtle Conservation and Scientific Research
Founded in 1984, SEATRU has played a pivotal role in marine turtle conservation in Malaysia. The organization’s efforts began with the protection of the Rantau Abang Restricted Fishing Zone, dedicated to preserving endangered Leatherback turtles, and later expanded to include Pulau Redang’s Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary. Under the Institute of Oceanography and Environment at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, SEATRU has developed internationally recognized research, conservation, and educational programs.
Key contributions include:
●Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary, one of Malaysia’s longest-running sea turtle conservation projects.
●Community Engagement Programs, attracting 504 volunteers in 2024 (up from 330 in 2023) and 6,290 educational visitors in 2024.
●Satellite tracking studies to monitor nesting and migratory behaviors, directly influencing regional marine protection policies.
●Turtle Imprinting Database System (TIDeS), an advanced digital platform for tracking turtle populations and conservation data.
SEATRU’s science-based conservation approach ensures that Malaysia’s sea turtles are protected for future generations.
Reef Check Malaysia – Leading Coral Reef Monitoring and Community Conservation
About Reef Check Malaysia (RCM)
Since its establishment in 2007, RCM has become a leading authority in coral reef conservation in Malaysia. As part of the global Reef Check network, RCM operates field teams across key reef sites in Tioman Island, Mantanani Island, Redang Island, Semporna, and the Johor Islands. Through a science-based approach and strong stakeholder collaboration, RCM works to monitor reef health, support reef management, promote coral resilience, and raise public awareness about marine conservation.
Key achievements include:
●300+ Reef Check survey locations across Malaysia, generating long-term scientific data on reef health.
●Community Marine Conservation Groups (CMCGs), empowering local islanders in reef management.
●Development of a Community-Based Reef Rehabilitation Toolkit, equipping conservationists with practical reef restoration strategies.
●Implementation of the Bleaching Response Plan, activated in 2024 during the 4th global mass coral bleaching event.
Through these initiatives, RCM bridges scientific research with on-the-ground conservation action.
Save Our Seahorses (SOS) Malaysia – A Citizen Science Approach to Seahorse Conservation
About Save Our Seahorses (SOS) Malaysia
Established in 2005, SOS Malaysia is a leading advocate for marine conservation, focusing on seahorses as key indicators of ecosystem health. The organization’s conservation efforts revolve around four key pillars:
●Research
●Education & Awareness
●Stakeholder Participation
●Collaboration & Partnerships
Operating nationwide, SOS Malaysia has played an instrumental role in one of the world’s longest-running citizen science seahorse monitoring programs. The group also actively collaborates with government bodies, universities, and corporate stakeholders to promote sustainable marine conservation through CSR and ESG initiatives.
Key achievements include:
●Project HippoTag - Merambong (2023-2027) and Project HippoTag - Sembilan (2025-2028), monitoring seahorse populations through community-based tracking programs.
●International Representation, with Dr. Adam Lim serving on the IUCN Species Survival Commission.
●Regional Conservation Leadership, co-founding SEASyng, a Southeast Asian network for syngnathid species protection.
Bubbles Turtle Conservation – 20 Years of Dedication to Sea Turtle Protection
Bubbles Turtle Conservation
Established in 2004 as part of an eco-resort project on Pulau Perhentian, Bubbles Turtle Conservation has been dedicated to preserving marine life and turtle habitats. In 2018, the project was officially granted a permit for turtle conservation, recognizing two decades of commitment.
Key initiatives include:
●Scientific Research, publishing a paper on the impact of ant infestations on turtle conservation.
●Educational Outreach, promoting marine conservation awareness in schools and institutions.
●Hatchling Release Program, releasing 23,567 baby turtles into the ocean (2023-2024).
Despite challenges such as the pandemic-related island lockdown, BTC continued its conservation work through donations and public support, ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability.
Shark Savers Malaysia – Protecting Sharks Through Public Awareness and Policy Advocacy
As part of a global network of shark conservation organizations, Shark Savers Malaysia is committed to protecting shark populations, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and reducing shark fin consumption. The organization focuses on educational outreach, community engagement, and collaborative conservation efforts to shift public perception of sharks from feared predators to essential marine species that play a critical role in ocean ecosystems.
Key achievements include:
●Nationwide Educational Programs, engaging communities in shark conservation awareness campaigns.
●Environmental Events, such as the Sabah Community Environmental Leadership Camp and Bandar Spring Hill Run, promoting sustainability and marine ecosystem protection.
The work of these seven outstanding NGOs highlights a nationwide effort to protect Malaysia’s marine biodiversity. Through scientific innovation, community engagement, and policy advocacy, these organizations are shaping a more sustainable future for Malaysia’s oceans.
DRT SHOW Malaysia 2025 extends its deepest appreciation to YBhg. Dato’ Adnan bin Hussain and the Department of Fisheries Malaysia for their leadership in marine conservation. Their ongoing commitment continues to inspire collaboration between conservationists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
For more information about Mission Blue Malaysia at DRT SHOW Malaysia 2025, visit .https://www.drtexpo.com/malaysia
