What is SyMBiosIS

SyMBiosIS is a searchable database for the marine organisms which can be found in Malaysia. The acronym SyMBiosIS stands for Systematic Marine Biodiversity Inventory System. Malaysia has been recognized as one of the 12 nations who are rich in their biodiversity. This database is a proof on what we have. As it is still in its development stage, information is constantly updated and it will be an ongoing process.

The information in this database is contributed by researchers who are members of the Technical Committee for Marine Biodiversity Inventory, Research Institutions, Universities, NGOs, obtained from recognized databases available online and also extracted from publications.

SyMBiosIS is the fruit from the noble idea of our former Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah bin Ahmad Badawi who wish to inventorise our marine biological resources in Malaysia. This is to better manage our marine resources and to avoid depletion of resources, unsustainable exploitation and development, and also extinction of species before being discovered. By having this database, we will be able to map out our resources, to identify potential sites for protection and to better understand the status of our marine resources.

This database is developed in-house by the Information and Communication Technology Division of the Ministry with technical inputs from the Department of Marine Park Malaysia.