The meadows Malaysians rarely see

An intertidal seagrass meadow off Pulau Setindan, Johor. — DR JILLIAN OOI

ON March 1, 2026, the world marked World Seagrass Day, a day set aside to recognise one of the planet’s most productive yet frequently overlooked ecosystems. For Malaysia, that recognition focuses on coastal Johor, where some of the country’s most remarkable seagrass landscapes quietly flourish. 

At first impression, underwater seagrass meadows are unassuming. There are no dramatic coral formations or sudden flashes of colour. But if you slow your breathing and let your eyes adjust, the beauty begins to unfold. Juvenile fish dart between blades. Shrimps reshape the sand. Pipefish drift in pairs, almost invisible until they move. What at first glance seems still reveals itself to be intricate and alive.