Kuala Lumpur — Garmin Malaysia has successfully concluded its impactful marine conservation initiative in collaboration with Reef Check Malaysia. Focused on removing ghost nets from Malaysian waters, the project spanned from March to September 2024 and exceeded expectations by collecting an impressive 755 kilograms of ghost nets, far surpassing the initial target of 100 kilograms.
Garmin Malaysia pledged RM100 for every kilogram of ghost nets removed, aiming to raise RM10,000. The collaboration focused on five islands in Mersing, Johor: Pulau Besar, Pulau Aur, Pulau Pemanggil, Pulau Sibu, and Pulau Tinggi. With strong community engagement and the support of local islanders, the initiative not only tackled marine waste but also fostered environmental awareness and sustainable practices among participants.
Empowering Communities for Marine Conservation
One of the highlights of the partnership was training 10 local islanders in underwater clean-up techniques, empowering them to take an active role in marine conservation. By equipping the community with essential skills, Reef Check Malaysia and Garmin Malaysia emphasized the importance of localized action in preserving marine ecosystems.
Julian Hyde, CEO of Reef Check Malaysia, highlighted the initiative’s multiplier effect: “This collaboration provided vital funding and increased our volunteer pool from four to 10, significantly amplifying our ability to address various marine conservation challenges, including ghost nets and beyond.”
Sheena Sim, Marketing Lead at Garmin Malaysia, underscored the company’s commitment to sustainability: “This partnership aligns with our mission to inspire communities to safeguard our environment. We’re proud to support efforts that protect marine ecosystems for future generations.”
Turning Marine Waste into Value
Garmin Malaysia also took an innovative approach to sustainability by upcycling collected ghost nets. Partnering with The Sea Monkey Project, a Malaysian social enterprise focused on ocean plastic solutions, the discarded materials were transformed into functional products. Among these is a minimal and sleek clutch, designed to complement Garmin’s Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition, a dive-focused wearable made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. This initiative highlights Garmin’s holistic strategy to promote sustainability and responsible consumption.
Carlos Steenland, Co-Founder of The Sea Monkey Project, praised the collaboration: “Working with a global brand like Garmin allows us to scale up efforts and create meaningful social and environmental impacts, advancing the upcycling industry in Malaysia.”
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A Step Towards a Sustainable Future
The partnership between Garmin Malaysia and Reef Check Malaysia represents a significant milestone in marine conservation efforts. By removing ghost nets, empowering local communities, and transforming ocean waste into valuable products, the initiative sets an inspiring example of environmental stewardship.
As the project concludes, both organizations express optimism about future collaborations. “This is just the beginning,” said Sim. “We’re eager to explore further opportunities to protect Malaysia’s marine ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future.”
