26/04/2026

theSunday Special II ON SUNDAY APR 26, 2026

marine enthusiasts and divers. The archipelago was gazetted as a Federal Marine Park in 1993 and was internationally recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2019 as part of the Mersing Archipelago Important Marine Mammal Area. Pulau Sibu is also part of the Mersing National Geopark, due to its significant geological features, including ancient volcanic rock formations. It consists of four main parts – Pulau Sibu Besar, which is the main focus for tourists, as well as Pulau Sibu Tengah, Pulau Sibu Kukus and Pulau Sibu Hujung. Pulau Sibu Besar, where the expedition primarily took place, is home to about 200 residents across five villages, with basic amenities including a primary school, mosque, public hall, shops, eateries, a clinic and a police station. Visitors may encounter small herds of cattle, as well as sheep and chickens roaming freely across the island. Wild boars have also been sighted, although they are generally docile. Nevertheless, visitors are advised to keep a safe distance. Searching for the elusive dugong One of the expedition highlights was dugong watching, although the elusive marine mammals did not surface during the trip. MareCet researcher Joey Lee managed to spot large ripples in separate areas of the ocean believed to have been caused by the animals. Leading the search, Louisa pointed out the presence of seagrass fragments, an indication that dugongs might be nearby. However, the animals remained out of sight. Another researcher, Chua Jing Er, described the scientific processes involved in their surveys, including the use of coded communication in the event of sightings. Participants also recorded ocean depth and seawater salinity using specialised tools such as depth finders and refractometers. A key takeaway emphasised by the organisers was that sightings are never guaranteed. While this may be disappointing to some, sustainable tourism encourages respect for marine life and appreciation for ongoing conservation efforts.

MareCet researchers and participants scan the waters during a dugong -watching session off Pulau Sibu. – SUBASHINI JEYARAMAN/THESUN

Feeling the flow of life, tides and tourism at Pulau Sibu On a remote Johor island where dugongs roam unseen and villages still move to the rhythm of the sea, a three-day expedition by MareCet explores how sustainable tourism is reshaping the relationship between people, nature and survival W HEN it comes to tourism in Malaysia, many instinctively picture the gleaming skyline of Kuala Lumpur, dominated by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers or the postcard-perfect islands scattered across the country. BY SUBASHINI JEYARAMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

long term and provide high-quality, authentic experiences to visitors while ensuring proper safeguards are in place to minimise environmental impacts,” said MareCet co-founder Louisa Ponnampalam. She added that the failure to implement sustainable tourism practices will eventually lead to the collapse of a destination, transforming formerly prosperous areas into ghost towns and driving residents to relocate or resort to desperate survival measures. “Economies, livelihoods, relationships and ecosystems are all affected,” she said. Camping under the stars, the expedition allowed visitors to experience Pulau Sibu not only through its marine biodiversity but also through its community. By involving locals at the grassroots level, MareCet curated an experience that extended far beyond conventional tourism. Activities included dugong watching, intertidal walks, community visits and a stop at a virgin coconut oil producer. An untouched island rich in biodiversity Accessible via a boat ride from Tanjung Leman, Pulau Sibu forms part of an archipelago comprising Pulau Sibu Tengah, Pulau Sibu Hujung, Pulau Sibu Kukus and Pulau Papan. Known for its pristine waters and fine sandy beaches, the area has long attracted

In recent years, sustainable tourism has steadily carved out its place within Malaysia’s diverse travel landscape, emphasising meaningful experiences while maximising positive contributions to local environments and communities. At the forefront of this movement is MareCet Research Organisation, a non-governmental organisation that has championed marine conservation through research and advocacy since 2012. In line with its mission, the organisation recently hosted a three-day expedition to Pulau Sibu in Johor, offering participants an opportunity to experience slow and mindful travel. The trip was supported by Sustainable Tourism Malaysia, co-chaired by The Habitat Foundation and Tengah Island Conservation and funded by the Finance Ministry. “Sustainable tourism is important to ensure that a destination can survive in the

Resident Nor Shazreen Muhammad demonstrates the traditional process of producing virgin coconut oil at her family-run business. -SUBASHINI JEYARAMAN/THESUN