Curtin Malaysia and Universitas Airlangga join forces to combat microplastic pollution

Miri, Sarawak – 15 October 2025 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has strengthened its international research ties by hosting Dr. Abdul Manan from Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia, for a 10-day research attachment aimed at tackling the growing threat of microplastic pollution in Southeast Asia.

Dr. Manan, a researcher from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences at Universitas Airlangga, was at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science from 16 to 26 September 2025 under his university’s World Class University (WCU) Fund Outbound Mobility Program.

Working alongside Curtin Malaysia’s renowned environmental scientist Professor Tony Hadibarata, Dr. Manan focused on investigating microplastic contamination in commercially important fish species from Surabaya City, Indonesia. As part of their research, fish samples were brought to Curtin Malaysia for in-depth laboratory analysis to identify and quantify microplastic particles.

Dr. Manan’s research addresses one of the most urgent environmental challenges of the modern era: the increasing prevalence of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems and their implications for food safety, ecosystem health, and human well-being. His study provides valuable baseline data that could inform future environmental policies and strengthen regional cooperation on marine pollution.

“Microplastics are a silent threat, not just to marine life, but to food security and public health,” he said. “This collaboration allows us to access advanced research infrastructure and share knowledge across borders.”

Professor Hadibarata echoed the urgency, saying, “Microplastic pollution is a global issue. By working together across nations, we can uncover the full extent of the problem and develop better policies to protect our ecosystems.”

The project lays the groundwork for more robust environmental monitoring and policy development in the region. It also exemplifies Curtin Malaysia’s growing role as a regional hub for cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research on environmental sustainability.

“This partnership highlights the importance of regional collaboration in addressing complex environmental issues that affect us all,” added Professor Hadibarata.

Curtin Malaysia continues to lead in fostering international research partnerships, particularly in marine science and sustainability, advancing solutions to the environmental challenges facing Southeast Asia.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or find Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and X (Twitter).

Dr. Abdul Manan analysing microplastic contamination in fish samples at Curtin Malaysia.