Plastics also found in marine park coral reefs

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 2, 2026

Microplastics were found in 64% of coral samples around Pulau Redang, with the highest pollution levels detected at Long Beach, according to a study by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. This contamination threatens coral reef health and coastal communities by exacerbating reef degradation amid climate stresses, prompting calls for stricter plastic use regulations and waste reduction initiatives.

Microplastics have been detected in nearly two-thirds of coral samples collected from areas surrounding Pulau Redang, raising concerns about the broader health of Malaysia’s coral reefs and coastal ecosystems, according to Sahabat Alam Malaysia. The environmental group highlighted findings from a study conducted by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, which identified microplastics in 64% of 200 coral fragments gathered from five sites around the island in Terengganu.

The research, published in the journal Regional Studies in Marine Science, documented a total of 285 microplastic particles across the coral samples. The highest concentration was found at Long Beach, with an average of 1.31 microplastic particles per gram of coral. Other locations recorded lower levels: Pasir Akar (0.85), Kerengga Besar (0.72), Chagar Hutang (0.54), and Mak Simpan (0.47).

Sahabat Alam Malaysia’s honorary secretary Mageswari Sangaralingam described the situation as troubling, emphasizing that plastic pollution is infiltrating coral reefs even within protected marine parks. She warned that the problem should not be regarded as limited to specific areas but seen as indicative of the overall declining health of Malaysia’s coral ecosystems.

Mageswari also noted that the presence of microplastics compounds the challenges faced by coral reefs, especially amid rising sea temperatures and climate-related phenomena such as El Niño. These stressors are expected to weaken the resilience of coral reefs, leading to more severe coral bleaching, slower recovery rates, and overall degradation.

The consequences of coral reef deterioration extend beyond environmental damage. Coral reefs provide critical habitat and breeding grounds for many fish species and serve as natural barriers that absorb wave energy, thus protecting coastlines from erosion. According to Mageswari, the decline in reef health threatens fisheries, tourism, and the livelihoods of coastal communities reliant on these ecosystems. The economic stability of these communities may be jeopardized, alongside their increased vulnerability to climate hazards.

To address the issue, Sahabat Alam Malaysia advocates for a mandatory ban on single-use plastics accompanied by rigorous enforcement measures to prevent further pollution from reaching marine environments. Mageswari further highlighted the Zero Waste Islands Framework, developed by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, as a potential model to reduce plastic waste and protect marine ecosystems.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.