Malaysia's Redang Island faces microplastic threat as study finds two-thirds of coral reefs contaminated

Malaysia's famed Redang Island, known for its pristine beauty, faces a significant threat from microplastic pollution, with a recent study revealing that almost two-thirds of its coral reefs are contaminated.

Researchers from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu's Microplastic Research Group (MRIG) detected an average of 285 microplastic particles within coral samples. The study analyzed 200 coral samples, finding that 64% contained microplastics, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of the marine ecosystem in this popular tourist destination.

Long Beach recorded the highest contamination, with an average of 1.31 microplastic particles per gram of coral. Other affected areas include Pasir Akar, Kerengga Besar, Chagar Hutang, and Mak Simpan. Researchers noted that contamination levels increase in areas close to human development and activities, such as resorts, dive centers, water sports, and tourist boat routes.

"The study found that pollution is increasing in areas near development and human activities, especially in areas with resorts, dive centers, water sports activities, and tourist boat routes," said lead researcher Dr. Sabiqah Tuan Anuar. "In fact, during the sampling, more marine debris and plastic were found entangled in the coral reefs at Long Beach compared to other locations."

The research also identified polyethylene terephthalate (PET), commonly used in beverage bottles and food packaging, as the most prevalent microplastic found in the coral samples. Black and transparent plastic fibers were the most dominant forms, believed to originate from tourism, fishing gear, and single-use plastic waste. The findings highlight that marine waste is not just a plastic problem, as these materials break down into smaller fragments that interact with marine life and potentially absorb other pollutants.

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The study found that pollution is increasing in areas near development and human activities, especially in areas with resorts, dive centers, water sports activities, and tourist boat routes. In fact, during the sampling, more marine debris and plastic were found entangled in the coral reefs at Long Beach compared to other locations.