‘Many reefs hit by coral bleaching’

Sad state: A dying coral will usually turn white and is a sign of bleaching caused by the rising ocean temperature, as seen in this file photo.

PETALING JAYA: Over half of the coral reefs in Malaysian waters have been affected by coral bleaching between April and June due to increased sea surface temperatures.

The Fisheries Department said those particularly affected are the marine park islands in four states: Pulau Payar (Kedah); Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang and Pulau Tenggol (Terengganu); Pulau Tioman (Pahang); and Pulau Pemanggil (Johor).