Liew witnessing the presentation by Yeoh (on her right) to Lintar, with Chong standing third from right.
KUDAT: Sabah Parks, in collaboration with WWF-Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, local communities, enforcement agencies, volunteers and the private sector, has earned a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for planting 12,000 coral fragments on the seafloor at Tun Mustapha Park (TTM), near Simpang Mengayau and Pulau Kalampunian.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew officiated the Recognition Ceremony for the “Largest Coral Fragment Planting Event 2025” held in conjunction with the 9th Anniversary of the Gazettement of TTM at Dewan Tun Mustapha here today.
Congratulating all parties involved, Liew said: “Congratulations to Sabah Parks Director Dr Maklarin Lakim and his team, as well as all collaborative partners and implementing agencies who made this vision a reality. To the local communities – you are the true guardians of the sea.”
She highlighted that the feat was achieved in just four days, involving over 500 participants including certified divers, non-divers, local residents from Kampung Tajau Laut and Simpang Mengayau, and various tourism stakeholders.
“Planting 12,000 coral fragments reflects our collective determination and unity,” she said.
Liew credited the success to the strong support of corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions from private companies and NGOs.
She said such backing demonstrates wide confidence in Sabah’s marine conservation efforts and proves that public-private partnerships can drive meaningful environmental restoration.
“The spirit of togetherness displayed by divers, communities, students, and volunteers is the backbone of this success. This is the ‘Unite for the Ocean’ ethos we want to cultivate,” she stressed.
Liew further noted that the initiative supports biodiversity policies at the state, national and global levels, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
She also underscored Malaysia’s commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and its “30 by 30” conservation target.
“My hope is that this initiative doesn’t end as a symbolic event but is followed by continuous efforts in scientific monitoring, community education, and regular reporting – making it a national and global reference,” she said.
Highlighting the significance of TTM, Liew said the marine park, spanning over 898,000 hectares, is Malaysia’s largest multi-use marine protected area and one of the biggest in the region.
Since its gazettement nine years ago, TTM has become a model for marine conservation, home to more than 528 species of fish, 250 coral species, three endangered sea turtle species, dugongs, dolphins, and iconic marine life like whale sharks and whales.
“These achievements are rooted in science-based conservation efforts, including marine biological monitoring and coral restoration. Scientific data has been crucial in shaping policies and evaluating management,” she said.
She acknowledged the complexity of managing such a vast area, which includes over 50 islands such as Banggi, Balambangan, Malawali, Tigabu, and Maliangin, with more than 80,000 residents in 53 coastal and island villages.
“This initiative requires unwavering dedication, stakeholder coordination, and resilience in the face of legal, economic, and climate-related challenges,” added Liew.
She also commended local communities in villages such as Tajau Laut, Marang Parang, Bavang Jamal and the Banggi Island community for their crucial roles in joint monitoring, coral reef restoration and community-based ecotourism.
Liew also witnessed the presentation of the MBR Certificate of Recognition to Sabah Parks Chairman Peter Lintar by MBR representative Edwin Yeoh.
Also present were Tanjong Kapor Assemblyman Datuk Ben Chong, Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Dr Maklarin and Kudat District Officer Charles William Dabbi.
