Bluish jellyfish with painful sting found at Pantai Pandak, Chendering. Beachgoers urged to be careful
PETALING JAYA: Beachgoers in Terengganu have been urged to exercise caution following the discovery of Portuguese Man O’ War jellyfish at Pantai Pandak, Chendering.
Speaking to Harian Metro, Associate Professor Dr Roswati Md Amin from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu’s (UMT) Faculty of Marine Science and Environment explained that jellyfish are classified under the phylum Cnidaria — organisms equipped with stinging cells.
Various species from this group have been recorded in Malaysian waters or washed ashore along the coastline, she said.
According to Dr Roswati, the species commonly found stranded during or at the end of the monsoon season is the marine hydrozoa, commonly known as the Portuguese Man O’ War or “ubur-ubur api” in Malay.
“This marine hydrozoa is easily identifiable by its translucent bluish colour and bubble-like structure on top (a floating polyp called a pneumatophore), measuring between two and 10 centimetres,” she said.
“It has stinging cells located on its tentacles underneath, and is typically found in the Atlantic, Indian, or Pacific Oceans.”
She noted that sightings of these jellyfish occur annually, usually between January and March, with the first recorded appearances dating back to 2013. In 2024, the earliest sightings were recorded in November.
“This colonial jellyfish cannot swim and moves only using its floating polyp (pneumatophore). Research shows that wind strength and direction influence where these creatures wash ashore,” Dr Roswati explained.
“Reports of strandings are typically from several beaches along the East Coast, with numerous cases recorded in Terengganu and Kelantan.”
She warned that despite their small size, these jellyfish possess venomous stinging cells in their tentacles, which they use to capture prey and defend themselves.
“Victims who come into contact usually experience painful stings. Symptoms may include headaches, body aches, and numbness. Breathing difficulties can also occur depending on the victim’s physical resilience,” she cautioned.
The Sun Malaysia
