KUALA TERENGGANU: A total of 354.68 kilogrammes of marine debris and beach litter was collected during Phase 4 of the International Volunteer Programme: Dive Against Debris®️ (D.A.D.) on Redang Island On June 28.

Of the total, 56.05 kilogrammes of marine debris was removed from the seabed by 31 local and international volunteer scuba divers, while another 298.63 kilogrammes of litter was collected along the beach by non-diving volunteers, highlighting that marine pollution continues to require sustained attention and action.

Batu Rakit State Assemblyman Shafizi Ismail who officiated the programme said the initiative was not merely about cleaning the seabed and beaches, but, more importantly, about generating scientific data on the types, quantities and locations of marine debris to help the government formulate more effective policies and measures to combat marine pollution.

He said the data collected through the volunteer dives enables the authorities to identify pollution levels, the types of marine debris present and areas requiring immediate intervention, providing a solid foundation for policy planning, enforcement and long-term conservation efforts.

Shafizi also commended Kenanga Investors Berhad (KIB) for sponsoring all four phases of the programme since 2023. The initiative is organised by the Blacksz Eye Scuba Team (BEST) under the monitoring of the PADI AWARE Foundation, an international organisation based in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia.

Divers bringing up debris collected from the seabed

“Redang Island’s natural beauty is one of Terengganu’s most valuable assets. However, the growing threat posed by marine debris, plastic waste and ghost nets demands immediate action from all stakeholders.

“The presence of volunteers here not only helps clean the seabed but also generates valuable data that can strengthen conservation efforts for the benefit of future generations,” he said.

He added that the data collected throughout this programme will be presented to the Terengganu State government and relevant agencies to facilitate follow-up action. The findings will also be submitted to the global PADI AWARE Foundation database and the Department of Fisheries Malaysia in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

According to Shafizi, during the first three phases of the programme held on Perhentian Island, Besut, Terengganu, from 2023 to 2025, a total of 148.56 kilogrammes of marine debris was removed from the seabed, while 552.24 kilogrammes of waste was collected through beach clean-up activities.

He said the statistics indicate that marine pollution remains at a level requiring continuous intervention, as it affects marine life, coral reefs and the livelihoods of fishing communities.

Shafizi said the programme also demonstrates that effective environmental conservation requires close collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the corporate sector and the international community.

He also revealed that the Terengganu state government is in the final stages of adopting the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) to strengthen the state’s solid waste management system in a more structured and efficient manner.

He said implementation of the Act is expected to benefit Redang Island through more systematic waste management, reducing marine pollution while creating opportunities for green economic development through recycling initiatives.

Meanwhile, he said the programme also emphasised environmental education, with volunteers conducting awareness sessions at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pulau Redang.

The programme, which brought together more than 100 local and international volunteers, also involved participants from Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Somalia and China, most of whom are postgraduate students from the School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

Shafizi (fourth from right) with some of the international volunteers.