Seri Buat Island cleanup removes nearly 600kg marine debris successfully

Nearly 600kg of marine debris, including ghost nets, plastic bottles and styrofoam, has been removed from the beaches and surrounding waters of Seri Buat Island in Pahang during a large-scale cleanup initiative aimed at protecting the island’s marine ecosystems.

The seven-hour Seri Buat Island Beach and Underwater Cleanup brought together approximately 40 participants from government agencies, conservation organisations and academic institutions in a coordinated effort to address the growing problem of marine pollution.

The programme was jointly organised by the Pahang State Parks Corporation (PSPC), Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Marine Ecosystem Research Centre (UKM-EKOMAR). Participants also included representatives from the Tioman Development Authority, Rompin District Council, the Marine Police, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the Pahang Economic Planning Division (BPEN) and the Tioman Marine Conservation Group (TMCG).

A total of 595kg of marine debris was collected from both coastal and underwater areas. The waste comprised ghost nets, styrofoam, plastic bottles, slippers, glass bottles and other forms of marine litter.

Styrofoam and plastic bottles accounted for the largest proportion of items recovered, with volunteers collecting 2,848 pieces of styrofoam and 2,340 plastic bottles. The findings highlight the continued impact of land-based and marine pollution on the island’s coastal environment.

Conservation efforts extend beyond beach cleanups

Speaking at the programme, Pahang State Parks Corporation Chief Executive Encik Zainal Abidin Othman said the debris collected represented more than discarded waste.

“The debris collected today is more than just waste—it serves as a powerful reminder that Pahang’s marine heritage must be protected, conserved and managed continuously to ensure the long-term sustainability of our natural environment,” he said.

He added that the corporation would continue strengthening marine conservation through the proposed gazettement of the Seri Buat Islands, covering eight islands and extending up to 0.1 nautical miles from the lowest low-water mark.

According to him, the initiative is intended to enhance marine biodiversity protection, improve the governance of protected areas and support more systematic and sustainable management of the state’s natural resources.

The latest programme builds on existing conservation work around Seri Buat Island. Before the cleanup, Reef Check Malaysia, the Tioman Marine Conservation Group and a representative from PSPC carried out five underwater cleanup operations at various locations around the island, removing five units of abandoned fishing gear weighing a combined 290kg.

Reef Check Malaysia Programme Manager Shahir Yaman said marine debris poses long-term risks to ocean ecosystems.

“Removing marine debris is about more than keeping our beaches clean. Ghostnets and plastic waste can damage coral reefs, entangle marine life and continue harming ecosystems long after they enter the sea,” he said.

Shahir said the participation of government agencies, researchers and local community groups demonstrated that protecting Seri Buat Island requires collective action. He added that, alongside cleanup efforts, the organisation hopes to strengthen local stewardship and prevent marine debris from entering the marine environment in the first place.

The organisers expressed hope that continued collaboration among stakeholders will contribute to reducing marine pollution while strengthening the long-term protection of Seri Buat Island’s marine and coastal ecosystems.