Warning issued after jellyfish found at Kuantan beach

KUANTAN: The public has been cautioned against touching jellyfish found washed up along the shores of Pantai Batu Hitam near here as it is feared that they could be from a dangerous species.

Pahang Fisheries Department director Abdullah Jaafar said his officers had gone to the location to take samples and identify the species of the jellyfish after receiving information that some people had been stung.

“For the time being, we advise the public to avoid swimming or carrying out beach activities there until we can confirm the species is not dangerous.

“Prior to this, we had a history of dangerous jellyfish such as the Portuguese man o’ war in east coast waters.

“We are also worried that the jellyfish found are from the same species,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

On Saturday, three Civil Defence Force members aged between 32 and 34 were stung by jellyfish at the beach.

They were undergoing training as lifeguards when the incident took place.

The three were given early treatment and are now recovering.