13 November 2025, Putrajaya – In a landmark move for Malaysia’s marine conservation efforts, the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, together with WWF-Malaysia, the Malaysian Society of Marine Sciences (MSMS), and Reef Check Malaysia (RCM), launched a bold approach in expanding Marine Protected and Conserved Areas during the “National Forum on Strengthening Governance, Capacity and Financing for Marine Conservation in Malaysia”. 

This forum represents one of the key achievements under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between WWF-Malaysia and the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, reflecting the shared commitment of both parties to strengthen the management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) through an integrated and science-based approach. The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Sabah Parks, Sarawak Forestry Corporation, State Park Management Councils, the Coral Triangle Centre, academic institutions, coastal communities, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-focused investors. 

In response to the global call to achieve the 30x30 target—a collective effort to conserve 30% of the world’s terrestrial and marine habitats by 2030—Malaysia continues to strengthen efforts in marine conservation. This target is crucial not only for biodiversity protection but also for securing essential ecosystem benefits. In Malaysia, healthy marine ecosystems provide food security, coastal protection, and carbon sequestration. 

The forum focused on strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to better protect and conserve Malaysia’s coastal and marine areas. A multi-pronged strategy was developed, emphasising stronger governance, clearer and more collaborative roles across sectors. It also called for scaling up capacity building for marine area managers and highlighted the importance of integrating community-led conservation efforts into Malaysia’s national conservation planning. 

In line with these outcomes, the forum also underscored the potential for greater private sector involvement through corporate social responsibility initiatives. Businesses can play a pivotal role in bridging capacity and financing gaps, whether by supporting training programmes, investing in community-based marine stewardship, or aligning their ESG strategies with national conservation priorities.  

According to Dato’ Adnan bin Hussain, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, “Malaysia’s ocean governance is entering a new era, one that prioritises science-based management, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term sustainability. To date, Malaysia has gazetted 84 Marine Protected Areas covering 29,844.08 square kilometres, representing 5.54% of our national waters. Through initiatives like this forum, we are not only working toward achieving the 30x30 global target but ensuring these efforts bring tangible benefits to coastal communities, strengthen food security, and support our blue economy. Protecting our seas is not just an environmental duty it is an investment in Malaysia’s future.” He emphasised that the forum serves as a vital platform to foster strategic dialogue and collective action.  

Echoing this, Sophia Lim, CEO and Executive Director of WWF-Malaysia, highlighted that when all parties unite, support one another, and move in step, Malaysia can safeguard its marine treasures for a more sustainable future. Julian Hyde, Chief Executive Officer of Reef Check Malaysia, added that empowering local communities to manage marine resources is key to long-term conservation success, especially in areas like coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves. 

Mr Affendi Yang Amri of the Malaysian Society of Marine Sciences later added, “Marine conserved areas must be guided by sound science and inclusive planning. By combining ecological research with local knowledge and cross-sectoral collaboration, we can ensure these areas deliver lasting benefits for biodiversity, climate resilience, and coastal communities.” 

In conjunction with the National Forum, WWF-Malaysia and TRAFFIC Southeast Asia launched a joint report titled “From Sea to Screen: Malaysia’s Online Shark and Ray Trade,” supported and witnessed by Dato’ Adnan bin Hussain, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia. The report revealed at least 5.25 million kilograms of shark and ray products traded online between October and December 2022, underscoring the urgent need to further conserve these species. The findings call for stronger policies, improved traceability systems, and expanded protection for more endangered marine species under the Fisheries Act 1985 to safeguard Malaysia’s marine biodiversity. 

Through more collaborative initiatives, Malaysia is committed to strengthening its position as a regional leader in marine conservation and the blue economy, ensuring that its ocean heritage remains protected for generations to come. 

Photo 1: Launch of “From Sea to Screen: Malaysia’s Online Shark and Ray Trade” — a joint TRAFFIC Southeast Asia and WWF-Malaysia report supported by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia. (c) Justice Khor / WWF-Malaysia 

Photo 2: Group photo of attendees at “National Forum on Strengthening Governance, Capacity and Financing for Marine Conservation in Malaysia”. (c) Justice Khor / WWF-Malaysia 

Photo 3: The co-authors of “From Sea to Screen: Malaysia’s Online Shark and Ray Trade” — a joint TRAFFIC Southeast Asia and WWF-Malaysia report. (c) Justice Khor / WWF-Malaysia 

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About Department of Fisheries Malaysia 

The Department of Fisheries Malaysia has a rich history that dates back to the British colonial era. Established in 1894 as the Colonial Fisheries Unit, it initially operated under the Lower Secretary’s Office for Southern States. Over the years, it evolved through significant phases, including post-World War II reconstruction and Malaysia’s independence. Further developments were driven by the New Economic Policy (NEP), leading to the modern, efficient institution it is today. 
  
The Department's primary roles are to manage Malaysia’s fishery resources efficiently and sustainably. This management is based on robust technical and scientific knowledge coupled with professional governance. As a key player in one of Malaysia’s major economic sectors, the Department of Fisheries is tasked with promoting private sector participation, attracting investors, and fostering international cooperation 
  
Key responsibilities of the Department include increasing the national food supply, boosting income for targeted groups, and enhancing the country’s export capabilities. The Department is also dedicated to strengthening the implementation of the National Agrofood Policy, ensuring a sufficient local fish supply, expanding export markets for fish products, and conserving, managing, and utilizing resources sustainably. 
  
Further information please visit DOF Official website: www.dof.gov.my  

About WWF-Malaysia 

World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) was established in 1972 and is part of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the international conservation organisation. Working to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and nature, WWF-Malaysia’s efforts to conserve nature focus on six major themes: forests, oceans, wildlife, food, climate and energy, as well as freshwater. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

Find our latest news here: https://www.wwf.org.my/media_and_information/media_centre_and_updates/ 

About Malaysian Society of Marine Sciences (MSMS)  

The Malaysian Society of Marine Sciences (MSMS) exists to promote and advance the knowledge of all aspects of the marine sciences, with particular reference to Malaysia and the adjacent transboundary marine region. This is done through developing a network of members across Malaysia whose expertise in marine science enable us to anticipate and propose strategic actions to protecting the marine environment. MSMS was formed in 1975 to promote and advance the knowledge of all aspects of the marine sciences. The MSMS broad based membership and expertise enable this society to anticipate and propose new actions at a strategic level to deliver innovative conservation results in the marine environment. MSMS’s current role and national core strength and niche depend upon its being policy relevant and user needs driven. MSMS also organizes education and public awareness programs on the marine environment and promotes capacity building through training.

https://msms75.weebly.com/ 

About Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) 

Reef Check Malaysia is committed to the protection and sustainable management of Malaysia’s coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Since their inception in 2007, RCM has been at the forefront of marine conservation efforts, working tirelessly to engage communities, conduct vital research, and promote awareness. Reef Check Malaysia’s mission is to empower local communities to take an active role in preserving their natural marine resources, ensuring a thriving ecosystem for future generations. Reef Check Malaysia are committed to safeguarding the future of Malaysia’s coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Their goals for 2021-2025 are designed to empower communities, integrate resilience into management practices, and enhance policy frameworks.

https://reefcheck.org.my/