DR FAIZ HANAPIAH

Advanced Coastal Research and Innovation, International Islamic University Malaysia (ACRIIIUM)

Championing the coral reefs of Terumbu Kuantan

“Without immediate action, Terumbu Kuantan risks becoming another degraded ecosystem”

Terumbu Kuantan is an undocumented yet large reef system, several tens of km across, between 3 -15 km off the coast of Kuantan and known only to the local fishermen until Dr Faiz alerted the authorities to its existence in 2014. The nearshore reef system comprising more than 10 submerged reefs, harbours a wide range of hard coral (33 genera) and commercial fish. Terumbu Kuantan is also a feeding ground for endangered species such as hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and there have been sightings of several vulnerable species such as bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium griseum) and whale shark (Rhincodon typus) around the reef. As they are submerged, the reefs display unusually good resilience to climate change, maintaining an average live coral cover of nearly 40% despite experiencing several coral bleaching events.

Terumbu Kuantan represents an important ecological link within the wider reef network along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Its location between the northern and southern reef systems allows it to function as a “stepping-stone” habitat, facilitating the movement and dispersal of coral larvae, fish larvae and other reef-associated organisms through seasonal coastal currents. A collapse of Terumbu Kuantan would likely have very negative consequences for reefs up and down the coast as it would create a substantial gap between northern and southern reef populations and reduce the ecological and genetic connectivity along the coast. Its loss would also threaten important fishing grounds that support the livelihoods of local fishing communities. Furthermore, these reefs serve as natural breakwaters, helping to dissipate wave energy and protect the Kuantan coastline from erosion, storm impacts and increasingly extreme coastal conditions.

Threats

As much of this reef network remains undocumented and poorly understood, it is often overlooked in EIAs (Environmental Impact Assessments) and coastal development planning. This leaves the reefs vulnerable to sedimentation, declining water quality, coastal pollution, marine debris and microplastic contamination. Lost or abandoned fishing gear, particularly ghost nets, can also become entangled on the reefs, damaging corals and trapping marine life. Without systematic mapping, monitoring and formal recognition, significant areas of Terumbu Kuantan could be degraded before their ecological importance is fully understood.

What needs to be done - Turning Terumbu Kuantan into a recognized coastal asset

As much of this reef network remains undocumented and poorly understood, it is often overlooked in EIAs (Environmental Impact Assessments) and coastal development planning. This leaves the reefs vulnerable to sedimentation, declining water quality, coastal pollution, marine debris and microplastic contamination. Lost or abandoned fishing gear, particularly ghost nets, can also become entangled on the reefs, damaging corals and trapping marine life. Without systematic mapping, monitoring and formal recognition, significant areas of Terumbu Kuantan could be degraded before their ecological importance is fully understood.

The first step towards including these reefs in conservation policy is for Dr Faiz and his *ACRIIIUM team to collect reliable data in a standardized format for submission to state and federal authorities. In parallel, Dr Faiz will train community members in reef monitoring, marine-debris surveys and reef clean-up activities. Done through ChasingKarang, a community engagement platform under ACRIIIUM, created by Dr Faiz, this aims to build local capacity and encourage a sense of shared ownership of marine resources.

Rainbow Runner Asia, an established diving equipment supplier committed to supporting marine conservation and ocean sustainability, and Mares, the dive equipment manufacturer have agreed to donate their equipment to help the community project succeed.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Faiz Mohd Hanapiah

Since he was introduced to the reefs by a local fisherman, Faiz has made highlighting and protecting Terumbu Kuantan his life’s work. He is uniquely suited to this significant task, possessing a combination of strong technical and leadership skills in his position as Assistant Professor at the university, has experience in engaging communities in marine conservation under his Chasing Karang initiative and a clear passion for the reefs. Working under his motto ‘We can’t protect what we know nothing about”, he is determined that Terumbu Kuantan’s significant biological importance is not only protected but also appreciated by the public.

Dr Faiz is a marine scientist and Assistant Professor at the Department of Marine Science, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), specialising in coral reef ecology, coastal habitat mapping, underwater photogrammetry and technology-driven marine conservation, with a particular focus on the nearshore reefs of Pahang. He currently leads the Advanced Coastal Research and Innovation (ACRIIIUM) group at the university and is the champion of ChasingKarang, a platform used to translate marine science into conservation action, public engagement and capacity building. ChasingKarang Facebook Page

Future plans - following through with protection

Since 2014, Dr Faiz and his team have identified almost 20 reef sites (6 new sites in 2026 alone) around Kuantan through reef exploration, coral and fish surveys, seabed mapping and underwater 3D photogrammetry, alongside public outreach through ChasingKarang. The Biji Alam project will be Phase 1 of a coordinated conservation programme, building on that groundwork to establish ecological baselines for 6–8 reefs, assess their importance to local livelihoods and train community reef monitors. The next phase will translate the findings into management actions, formal recognition and appropriate protection, supported by community participation and sustainable funding.

What the Biji Alam Award will fund

An ecological baseline survey of the first subset of 6-8 reefs.
Livelihood assessment surveys
Setting up the #IniKarangKita initiative (under the Chasing Karang banner) for cleaning up activities (20-30 members)
Training 10 people to monitor ongoing reef health.