You better be careful the next time you visit these beaches in Terengganu!
Recently, a poisonous jellyfish, also known as the Portuguese Man O’ War (Physalia Cnidaria), was found in 4 Terengganu beaches.
Photo: Astro Awani
According to Terengganu Fisheries Department director, Zawawi Ali, these beaches are Pulau Kekabu Beach in Marang, Batu Buruk Beach in Kuala Terengganu, Rhu 10 Beach in Setiu and Bukit Keluang Beach in Besut.
During the state level Fisheries Expansion Programme last Saturday (22 Feb), he advised the public to withhold their visits to these beaches for the time being.
‘’We advise visitors not to go into the water at the beaches concerned at this time to prevent from being stung by jellyfish.
‘’This is because there is still no anti-venom for the jellyfish sting except pain killer. According to scientists, the immediate effect of a sting is cramp for three minutes which gives excruciating pain,’’ he told reporters at the event.
The earliest reported finding of the deadly jellyfish in the state was a couple of months ago at Pulau Kekabu Beach, Marang by a Civil Defence Force (APM) personnel undergoing a Beach Rescue Exercise.
Besides warnings against visiting these beaches, Zawawi also reminded the local authorities to put up red flags and signboards as in districts where these jellyfishes were found.
‘’To date, the Marang District Council has put up warning signboards on the Pulau Kekabu Beach and we hope other local authorities will follow suit as soon as possible,’’ he added.
By: Siti Farhana Sheikh Yahya
