By Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yusof Shuaib Ibrahim, UMT Holdings

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has recently partnered with Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad, Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM), and Area Fishermen Association (PNK)  to launch a transformative marine conservation initiative at Pantai Tok Jembal. This landmark collaboration may signal a new era of environmental stewardship.

UMT was represented by its Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG) and Centre for Co-curricular and Student Development (PKCP).

The initiative was spearheaded under Nestlé’s Sayang Komuniti Employee Volunteer Programme. It brought together over 350 volunteers, including UMT students, researchers, and local fishing communities, who worked hand in hand to tackle marine pollution and rejuvenate coastal ecosystems. 

The centrepiece of the campaign was an adventurous underwater clean-up at Pulau Bidong, where divers retrieved ghost nets and abandoned fishing gear threatening coral reefs and marine life. 

“This isn’t just about removing debris, it’s about restoring balance to our oceans,” said a MRIG member, “Our researchers are not only cleaning the seabed but also collecting critical data to inform national strategies on microplastic pollution.”

The MRIG team conducted scientific waste audits, cataloguing the types and sources of marine debris. These findings will aid in the long-term study of microplastics contamination, which is becoming a more significant threat to Malaysia’s food security and biodiversity.

The initiative also extended to land, where volunteers removed barnacles from fishing boats, repaired coastal huts, and distributed essential supplies to local fishermen. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency lent vital support, ensuring safety and coordination throughout the operation.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to plastic neutrality and sustainable practices,” said Nestlé Malaysia CEO Juan Aranols, praising the collaboration. “Working with UMT and the community of Pantai Tok Jembal shows how corporate responsibility and academic excellence can drive real change.”

UMT’s leadership in this initiative positions the university as a national beacon for marine conservation and environmental innovation. It combines scientific rigor with grassroots engagement to not only protect Malaysia’s marine heritage but also inspire a new generation of ocean stewards.

As the waves settled, the message was clear: when academia, industry, government, and community unite, the impact reaches far beyond the shoreline.