KUALA TERENGGANU – The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has taken part in a joint marine biodiversity survey under the Malaysia-Singapore Marine Biodiversity Survey of Southeast Asia (MBSSEAM), held at Bidong Island from 19 to 24 April 2026.
The programme was organised in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and the National University of Singapore (NUS).
The regional initiative focused on practical training in the use of Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS), a standardised tool for assessing marine biodiversity.
Participants were given hands-on exposure to ARMS deployment and handling, enabling them to strengthen technical expertise in coral reef monitoring.
For SFC, the programme provided valuable opportunities to enhance its technical capacity in field operations and installation procedures.
Officials noted that the training would support Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to improve marine biodiversity monitoring and conservation practices.
The survey also served as a platform to foster regional collaboration, bringing together institutions from Malaysia and Singapore to share knowledge and methodologies.
By participating, SFC reinforced its commitment to building stronger networks across Southeast Asia in the field of marine science and conservation.
Coral reefs, which are among the most diverse ecosystems in the world, face increasing threats from climate change, pollution, and unsustainable practices.
Programmes such as MBSSEAM are seen as crucial in equipping conservation agencies with the tools and expertise needed to safeguard these ecosystems.
SFC emphasised that insights gained from the survey will be applied to strengthen the long-term protection and sustainable management of Sarawak’s marine biodiversity.
The corporation highlighted its dedication to ensuring that conservation strategies are informed by regional best practices and scientific research.
Observers noted that the initiative reflects Sarawak’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity protection.
By engaging in international collaborations, the state is positioning itself as a proactive player in regional conservation efforts.
The successful completion of the survey at Bidong Island marks an important milestone for SFC, as it continues to expand its role in marine biodiversity monitoring and coral reef conservation.
