Over 350 volunteers, including Nestlé Malaysia employees, UMT students and the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) representatives joined forces at Pantai Tok Jembal for the 2025 Nestlé Coastal and Underwater Clean-Up initiative, working together with the local fishing community to protect marine ecosystems and support sustainable livelihoods
In Terengganu, a large-scale coastal and underwater clean-up initiative recently brought together university researchers, government agencies, volunteers, and local fishermen to tackle marine pollution and support coastal communities. The effort was a collaboration between Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM), and over 350 volunteers, including students, civil servants, and employees from the private sector.
Nestlé volunteers help construct and paint a fishing hut at Pantai Tok Jembal to give a refreshed look for the local community
Held on 14th of July, the initiative focused on Pantai Tok Jembal and nearby Pulau Bidong, both areas affected by marine waste and ghost nets, abandoned fishing equipment that entangle marine life and damage coral reefs. Volunteers removed entangled nets from the seabed, cleaned up shorelines, scraped barnacles from fishing boats, and helped repair basic fishing infrastructure. Essential supplies were also distributed to members of the local fishing community.
Mr. Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia, said, “At Nestlé, our Creating Shared Value approach drives us to create lasting benefits for both people and the planet. Our ambition to achieve plastic neutrality compels us to work hand-in-hand with local stakeholders to remove plastic waste from the environment and embed sustainable practices across our value chain. This collaboration in Terengganu with our partners and the community of Pantai Tok Jembal reflects our deep commitment to protecting natural ecosystems while supporting those whose livelihoods depend on them. With microplastics increasingly threatening our food systems, initiatives like this are not only vital for environmental health but also for strengthening Malaysia’s food security, food safety, and the long-term resilience of our coastal communities.”
UMT, known for its research on marine ecosystems and microplastics, played a key role in coordinating underwater operations and conducting waste audits. These audits will provide important data to support long-term strategies for marine conservation.
“Our partnership with Nestlé Malaysia enabled us to translate research into real-world impact. By removing ghost nets and marine debris, we’re not only improving marine ecosystems but also directly enhancing the livelihoods of local fishing communities,” said Dr. Yusof Shuaib Ibrahim, a researcher from UMT’s Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG-UMT). “This collaboration raises public awareness and strengthens the foundation for long-term environment stewardship in Malaysia.”
Mr. Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia, UMT with the support of APMM successfully remove ghost nets from the ocean floor to help restore marine habitats and protect coral reefs from damage
Pulau Bidong, where much of the underwater clean-up took place, is part of an ecologically rich zone that includes coral reefs and fish breeding grounds. However, these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by plastic pollution, much of it originating from human activity along the coast. Research has shown that Malaysians are among the highest consumers of microplastics globally, often through seafood.
Beyond Terengganu, volunteers also organized clean-up events in Selangor, Perak, and Sabah, collecting waste from additional beaches and coastal areas. In total, about two tonnes of waste were collected across all sites during the recent campaign. Since the initiative began in 2019, nearly 17 tonnes of marine debris have been removed from Malaysian waters.
Environmental advocates emphasize that efforts like these are essential not only for conserving biodiversity but also for ensuring food safety, public health, and the long-term resilience of communities that rely on the sea.
For more information, please visit https://www.nestle.com.my/ask-nestle/we-are-nestle.
