<p>Malaysia is a biodiversity-rich country and part of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF). Although the coral reefs in Malaysia are highly rich in biodiversity, these ecosystems are highly vulnerable to global climate change under the global climate crisis, and serious declines in live coral coverage and reef condition have been recorded. An effective management approach is thus necessary to improve coral reef resilience in the face of escalating global warming pressures. In this study, we investigate the functional roles of herbivorous fish and their importance in increasing the resilience of the coral reefs in Tioman Island, Malaysia. Field sampling and observations were carried out at six coral reef sites around the island: the Tiong Point, Tekek, Renggis Island, Benuang Bay, Juara Bay, and Ruit Bay. The Coral Video Transect (CVT) method was used for substrate assessment and determination of reef health status, while the Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) method was used for fish observations and surveys. The reef health status of Tioman Island in general can be considered as ‘fair’, with 44.63 ± 4.19% of live coral cover. Fourteen herbivorous fish species from five families were sampled where the highest value in terms of fish biomass (5.21 ± 1.85&#xa0;g/m² was recorded). Additionally, coral-dominated sites exhibited elevated herbivorous fish biomass, with a mean value of 3.41 ± 0.88&#xa0;g/m². Statistical analysis demonstrated a direct linear association (<i>y</i> = 1.060 + 0.084<i>x</i>, <i>r</i>² = 0.208) between herbivorous fish biomass and coral reef health, indicating a beneficial function of herbivorous fish in promoting coral health and resilience. Given the challenges posed by global warming to coral reefs, further research and conservation initiatives are needed to aid authorities and organizations in preserving these invaluable marine ecosystems.</p>