Bevy cute otters romp on deserted Melaka beach

MELAKA: Tourists may not be frequenting a beach resort in Melaka here, but a bevy of otters have been spotted romping in its sands here as the vacation spot is closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Shah Beach Resort manager Dennis Samford said the sea otters were first seen at the beachfront of the resort on Saturday (June 6) evening.

"It's a sight to behold but unfortunately, there are no guests at the resort to witness their antics," he said.

Samford is the only employee still taking care of the resort since it ceased operations in May due to the pandemic.

"This is the first time I have seen otters venturing ashore," he said.

Sightings of otters have been occasionally reported here.

Samford said he saw about nine smooth-coated otters frolicking on the beach.

The smooth-coated otter is listed as a vulnerable species under the International Union for Conservation of Nature and a totally protected species under the Malaysian Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.