Strategies for Achieving Sustainable Management of Offshore Sand Mining in Malaysia

Urbanization and land development in Asia, including Malaysia, have led to an increase in offshore sand mining activities, leading to significant environmental and social issues. Excessive sand extraction disrupts the ocean system equilibrium, necessitating sustainable management strategies. This study examined Malaysian offshore sand mining practices to recommend sustainable management approaches to be adopted. Using case studies involving interviews and document analysis, data were collected from 34 participants from six federal and state government departments, business owners, technical agencies, and community groups (including environmental non-governmental organizations from environmental action and consumer rights). The thematic analysis conducted in the case study revealed the need for six key strategies for sustainable management: (1) institutional strengthening, (2) adopting flexible technologies, (3) implementing comprehensive policy measures, (4) fostering stakeholder engagement, (5) capacity building, and (6) enhancing monitoring and enforcement. This study bridges the theoretical gap in sustainability management of offshore sand mining by examining the governance challenges faced and proposing strategic policy enhancements. This offers practical implications for designing policies that strengthen regulatory frameworks and improve mechanisms for sustainable development. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of understanding management and policy structures and their implications for driving sustainable transformation in regional contexts. Hence, it offers a valuable planning and management framework for authorities, enabling effective and timely decision making in managing offshore sand mining in Malaysia.