Safeguarding Migratory Birds: Malaysia’s Role on the Global Flyway

This year’s theme for World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2025 is “Creating Bird-Friendly Cities & Communities,” highlighting the importance of adapting urban and rural environments to support the survival of migratory birds.

Observed biannually on 10 May and 11 October, WMBD reflects the seasonal movement of birds across the globe, especially along routes like the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF), which stretches from Arctic Russia and Alaska to Australia and New Zealand.

In Malaysia, WMBD holds particular ecological significance, as the country lies along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway — one of the world’s major migratory bird routes. Malaysia serves as a vital stopover and wintering ground for more than 50 million migratory waterbirds from over 250 different populations.

These birds utilise wetlands, mangroves, mudflats, and forested areas across Malaysia to rest and refuel on their journeys between northern breeding grounds (such as Siberia and China) and southern non-breeding areas (including Australia and Indonesia).

According to recent United Nations research based on data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), around 44 per cent of migratory species worldwide are in decline, with one in every five facing extinction.

Many of these birds pass through key sites in Malaysia such as Kuala Gula in Perak, Tanjung Tuan in Negeri Sembilan/Melaka, and Kuala Selangor, where they depend on mudflats, mangroves, and coastal wetlands to survive their long journeys.

Yet, these habitats are increasingly under threat. Rapid urbanisation, land reclamation, aquaculture, pollution, and climate change are shrinking or degrading the natural spaces birds need to rest and feed. Light pollution from growing cities like Kuala Lumpur also confuses nocturnal migrants, while habitat loss and wetland drainage reduce the food supply and safe resting sites they rely on. Although Malaysia has designated several Ramsar wetlands for protection — including Tanjung Piai and Pulau Kukup in Johor — enforcement and sustainable development remain critical.

Among the endangered visitors to Malaysia are the Nordmann’s Greenshank, with fewer than 1,000 left worldwide; the Spoon-billed Sandpiper, with just a few hundred remaining; and the Siberian (Snow) Crane, one of the world’s rarest migratory species. These birds are especially vulnerable to habitat disruption, and their numbers are falling.

Organisations such as the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) are leading awareness efforts. Public birdwatching events like Raptor Watch in Tanjung Tuan, held during WMBD, draw attention to the role Malaysia plays in global bird conservation. There is also increasing collaboration with international partners under the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership.

According to BirdLife’s State of the World’s Birds report and IUCN data, nearly half of the world’s bird species are declining, with migratory species particularly at risk. Malaysia’s role is vital, and the future of these birds depends on continued research, monitoring, habitat protection, and public education.

As WMBD 2025 approaches, CAP urges government bodies, NGOs, communities, and the private sector to unite in protecting migratory routes and ensuring Malaysia remains a safe haven for birds in flight.

Mohideen Abdul Kader
President
Consumers’ Association of Penang

Press Statement, 9 May 2025