Reef Check Malaysia Receives Top Environmental Award

Submitted by Reef Check Malaysia

Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) was recently presented with the award for best Non-Governmental Organization in Pahang State. The state’s Department of Environment recognized RCM at its annual National Environmental Day celebrations in Kuantan, citing RCM’s work supporting local stakeholders on Tioman Island, its collaborative efforts with government agencies to identify and react to local threats such as oil spills and ghost nets, and its ongoing school education program.

Commenting on the award, Programme Manager Alvin Chelliah said, \”RCM is proud to receive this award. However, we must remember that none of our achievements would have been possible without the help and support of the Tioman Dive Operators Association, Tioman Marine Conservation Group, Department of Marine Parks Malaysia, and the local community.  We hope that more stakeholders will get involved in the management and protection of Tioman’s marine resources.\”

Norhasniezah bt Razali, RCM’s Community Liaison Officer, accepted the award on RCM’s behalf. Born and brought up on Tioman, she works to improve communications between various local stakeholders. She is also responsible for encouraging resorts on the island to adopt green operating practices as part of the ASEAN Green Hotels programme. \”This award makes all the hard work worthwhile, and reflects well on the islands’ tourism operators who are trying to reduce the impacts of their operations on the island’s ecosystems,\” according to bt Razali.
 

Net removal Efforts by RCM and Tioman Marine Conservation Group	Oil spill cleanup by RCM and Tioman Dive Association	Norhasniezah conducting a educational program with students from the local school