JOHOR BARU: A non-governmental organisation is conducting bi-weekly surveys on some of the popular islands in the country following reports of mass coral bleaching.
He added that RCM has been receiving reports on bleaching from scuba diving operators and leisure divers from Pulau Langkawi in Kedah, Pulau Perhentian in Terengganu, Pulau Sepanggar, Pulau Pom-Pom and Pulau Mantanani in Sabah as well as Darvel Bay in Labuan via RCM’s online bleaching reporting forms.
“The response was very positive as dive operators were eager to take actions that would promote recovery. On average, Johor and Pahang recorded coral bleaching of around 25%, 40% in Kota Kinabalu and around 14% in Semporna, he added. “We are in talks with state and federal government agencies to foster collaboration in addressing these pressing issues,” said Alvin.