Sabah Parks and Partners Set Malaysia Book of Records with Coral Planting Milestone

Launching gimmick. Liew placing a coral frame into a box representing the seafloor.

19 May 2025

KUDAT: Sabah Parks, as the lead agency in collaboration with WWF-Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, local communities, enforcement bodies, volunteers, and the private sector, has achieved a significant conservation milestone.

The Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) has officially recognised the planting of 12,000 coral fragments on the seafloor within Tun Mustapha Park (TMP) at Simpang Mengayau (Tip of Borneo), near Pulau Kalampunian.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, officiated the Recognition Ceremony for the “Malaysia Book of Records – Largest Coral Fragment Planting Event 2025”, held in conjunction with the 9th Anniversary of the Gazettement of Tun Mustapha Park at Dewan Tun Mustapha, Kudat on Monday.

Delivering her remarks at the ceremony, themed “Unite for the Ocean – A Shared Commitment to Conserve Marine Ecosystems and Make History”, Liew said:

“Congratulations to the Director of Sabah Parks, Dr Maklarin Lakim, his dedicated team, and all collaborating partners and implementing agencies who brought this vision to life. To the local communities , you are the true guardians of the sea. This collaboration strengthens an inclusive and effective conservation network."

"The figure 12,000 symbolises our collective determination and unity. Impressively, this feat was achieved within just four days, involving the participation of over 500 individuals.”

Participants included certified divers, non-divers, residents of Kg Tajau Laut and Simpang Mengayau, as well as a range of stakeholders, including tourism operators.

Liew highlighted that the success of this large-scale initiative was largely supported by corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions from private sector entities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

She stressed that such support underscores growing confidence in Sabah’s marine conservation efforts and affirms that public-private partnerships are instrumental in driving sustainable environmental restoration.

“The spirit of unity demonstrated by all participants,divers, community members, students, and volunteers, forms the backbone of this event’s success. This is the true embodiment of the ‘Unite for the Ocean’ ethos,” she added.

The Minister noted that this significant undertaking contributes to biodiversity policy implementation at the state, national, and international levels. It also supports the realisation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Furthermore, the initiative aligns with Malaysia’s commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, specifically the “30 by 30” target – to protect 30% of the world’s land and sea by 2030.

“My hope is that this initiative will not end as a symbolic gesture, but will be sustained through action plans involving scientific monitoring, community education, and regular reporting. It should serve as a national and global reference for effective marine conservation,” she said.

On the strategic role of Tun Mustapha Park, Liew noted that since its gazettement nine years ago, the park has set a benchmark in the management of marine protected areas in Sabah.

Covering over 898,000 hectares of sea and coastline, it remains Malaysia’s largest multi-use marine park and one of the most extensive in Southeast Asia.

“Tun Mustapha Park today is home to more than 528 species of fish, 250 species of coral, three endangered sea turtle species, dugongs, dolphins, as well as iconic marine species such as whale sharks and whales.

These successes stem from science-based conservation efforts, including marine biological monitoring and coral restoration, highlighting the vital role of data in decision-making and measuring management effectiveness,” she said.

She acknowledged the complexity of managing such a vast area and explained that the gazettement of TMP was informed by years of scientific research, biodiversity mapping, critical habitat analysis, and zoning based on data.

The area includes over 50 islands among them Banggi, Balambangan, Malawali, Tigabu, and Maliangin, and is home to over 80,000 residents across 53 coastal and island villages.

Liew further recognised the invaluable contributions of local communities from villages such as Tajau Laut, Marang Parang, Bavang Jamal, and Banggi Island, citing their efforts in joint monitoring, coral reef restoration, and community-based ecotourism.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Malaysia Book of Records certificate to the Chairman of Sabah Parks, Peter Lintar, by MBR representative Edwin Yeoh, witnessed by the Minister.

Also present were Tanjong Kapor Assemblyman Datuk Ben Chong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Datuk Josie Lai, Dr Maklarin Lakim, and Kudat District Officer Charles William Dabbi.