Sabah ready to handle jellyfish invasion

PETALING JAYA: Travel and tour operators in Sabah are ready to face the anticipated jellyfish boom in the coming months.

Sabah Tourist Association chairman Tony Chew said those in the tourism business, especially operators of businesses near the sea, would have been alerted to the possibility of a jellyfish invasion and would have been told to take precautionary steps.

He said they are ready to tackle the matter as many of them are knowledgeable and trained to handle jellyfish attacks.

“Some guides carry vinegar with them, while hotel and resort operators have vinegar stations to treat such stings,” he said.

He said tour guides would also provide safety briefings to tourists who go out to sea on the dangers of sea creatures, including jellyfish.

“There are also notices being put up at strategic beaches to warn people of the potential danger,” said Chew. “Tourists should heed such warnings for their safety.”

He said the industry players also worked closely with Sabah Parks and would caution tourists from time to time when the organisation issues advisories on such dangers.

“We don’t see this as a big threat,” he added.

“But we are vigilant against such attacks.”

Meanwhile, a Sabah Parks official said it would work closely with University Malaysia Sabah to monitor and observe the jellyfish population around Sabah’s marine parks.

“We will issue warnings on the potential jellyfish danger when we find that the areas at the park have been invaded.

“As a precaution, we may even make certain places off limits to tourists if the situation warrants it.”

The official said park rangers stationed at certain beaches are also supplied with vinegar and are trained to handle jellyfish attacks.

“Tourists should not be worried about the jellyfish danger as long as they follow the instructions and notifications,” he added.

He said the threat only arises when people fail to follow the safety briefings and recommendations.