Poisonous jellyfish spotted in Marang

MARANG – Following the recent spotting of Portuguese Man o'War jellyfish at Pantai Seberang Takir, Kuala Nerus on Monday, the poisonous marine animal has now been found at Pantai Pulau Kekabu here, yesterday.

Marang Civil Defence Force (MCDF) officer Lieutenant (PA) Mujahid Abd Wahad said the jellyfish was found by its officers during a routine patrol around the beach at around 10.30am.

Inspection around the area then found a total of seven Portuguese Man o'War jellyfish or its scientific name 'physalia physalis' deserted at the beach.

"MCDF officer had collected these dangerous jellyfish and disposed them by burying it in the sand to avoid threats to visitors," he said to Sinar when contacted today.

Mujahid said MCDF would increase patrol frequency on the coast, especially in places with high number of visitors.

He asked for the public's cooperation to inform the staff of any discovery of these poisonous jellyfish so appropriate action could be taken.

"Do not touch the jellyfish because it is still poisonous and dangerous even after its death.

"The jellyfish can paralyse their victims with their stings and cause burns on the skin to the point it becomes fatal if not treated immediately," he said.

Previously, Sinar reported the discovery of the Portuguese Man o'War jellyfish at Pantai Seberang Takir, Kualan Nerus, making it the first case recorded on the said beach this year.

The jellyfish was discovered after a visitor uploaded their discovery on social media and triggered the MCDF to monitor Pantai Seberang Takir.