About Jellyfish
Welcome to warm, sunny Malaysia where the locals and millions of visitors each year enjoy our fabulous beaches and marine resources.
Jellyfish are found all over the tropical world, and Malaysia is no exception. While Malaysia is not known as an exceptionally risky jellyfish country, nonetheless, there has been reports by people stung by jellyfish, occasionally including by one of the most venomous jellyfish in the world, the box jellyfish (technically not a jellyfish, actually, since it has a basic brain and eyes that can navigate to its prey or swim away from danger like humans). It can actually swim faster than humans and prefers to avoid obstacles.
The vast majority of jellyfish stings in Malaysia come from one of the other 2000 species of jellyfish and are painful but not life threatening. Only 100 species of Jellyfish have any effect on human beings.
If stung apply vinegar immediately after the sting for 30 seconds can neutralize a lot of venom. It is recommended you take a couple of large water bottles of vinegar with you if you want to prepare for possible treatment of jellyfish stings, as vinegar is the best remedy. Do not add pressure or try and remove the stingers as this may increase the venom. Please refer to the First Aid Section below.
Our records show that there is a very low risk associated with participation in watersports activities that involve any type of water craft (e.g. paddle skis, catamarans etc.). There is a higher risk when swimming, snorkelling or diving as you spend considerable time in the water. At any time you wish to enjoy water activities, you may choose to wear lycra ‘protective clothing’ (or wet suits when diving).
| CHIRONEX BOX JELLYFISH – (chirodropid, alata, fleckeri) The Chironex Box Jellyfish is the well-known, larger and sometimes fatal Box Jellyfish, common at beaches along the mainland in Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Philippines and a number of other warm water areas in the world. There has been a confirmed sting in May 1996 and a suspected box jellyfish sting in January 2010 in Langkawi. Consequently the likelihood of being stung by this type of Jellyfish in our immediate area is rare. There are several species of this jellyfish with some being more dangerous than others. In the highly unlikely event that you are stung by a Chironex Box Jellyfish, you will feel immediate and severe pain. Refer to First Aid Treatment points below and gain medical assistance immediately. | |
 | PORTUGESE MAN OF WAR – (Physalia sp) Marine stingers known as Bluebottles are wide-spread throughout the Pacific and Indian oceans and can sometimes be seen washed up on beaches in Malaysia. They are usually found further South, but on the odd occasion are found locally. They are visible, blue, jelly-like creatures that give an immediate, painful sting (burning skin, gland pain, nausea, anxiety and sweating). Treatment is to flush profusely with vinegar and remove the stings with stick or by wearing gloves. Refer to the First Aid Treatment Points below and gain medical assistance immediately. |
 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX | SEA NETTLE – (Phyllorhiza, Chrysoara sp1, sp2, sp3, Nemopilema sp1, sp2) One of the more common stinging jellyfish throughout the world and Malaysia and is a bell-shaped invertebrate, usually semi-transparent and with small, white dots and reddish-brown stripes. This can create a quite painful sting with some welting and marks. Pain normally resides after about 1 hour though marks can remain for up to 3 days. Treat immediately with vinegar and if the pain continues, seek medical treatment. Refer to the First Aid Treatment points below. |
Protective latex clothing called stinger suits greatly reduces the risk of exposure (though any areas of the body not covered are susceptible). They also have the added benefit of protecting you from the sun. It is recommended that you refrain from swimming in the ocean during the 48 hour period after a confirmed sting. We will warn you of any recent box jellyfish stings.
Please note that limited research has been completed to the species, types, life cycles, behavioral and movement patterns and seasons of Jellyfish in Malaysia. Due to this lack of knowledge, we have asked our employees not to provide information on Jellyfish, or their personal opinions about swimming in the ocean, as the information provided can vary dramatically. The Box Jellyfish is thought to be found in the warmer months of January to May though there has been limited research in their habits or if in fact they are confirmed to live within the waters of Langkawi.
FIRST AID TREATMENT – BOX JELLYFISH
Symptoms of the box jellyfish include screams of agony upon contact and cardiac and respiratory arrest can occur within minutes. There will be many large red welts marks on the body where there has been contact. It is believed the risk is greater for people with pre-existing medical conditions.
In the unlikely event that you come into contact with a Box Jelly, please instigate the following first aid treatment.
1. Douse the area profusely with vinegar for at least 30 seconds as this stops any un-discharged stinging cells.
2. Do not try to scrape the tentacles off (with hands, wet sand or any item, or apply pressure), as this will trigger more stinging cells to fire venom into the body.
3. Contact the Langkawi Hospital 04 966 3333 as soon as possible as urgent medical assistance will be required.
FIRST AID TREATMENT – PORTUGESE MAN OF WAR
1. If you have been stung by a Portuguese Man of War. Treatment is to flush profusely with vinegar to remove the tentacles. If required, remove the PMAO off with sticks or by using gloves.
FIRST AID TREATMENT – UNIDENTIFIED JELLYFISH
1. The same 1st aid as a box jellyfish should be applied which is 30 seconds on vinegar to douse the sting.
2. If symptoms proceed, seek medical attention.
We will endeavour to keep this leaflet as current as possible, to ensure you are provided with accurate information based on current Government advice, to enable you to make your own informed personal choices about swimming.
The information in this guide was correct at the time of printing but is subject to change. Information sourced from resources from the websites www.usm.my/cemacs/contact%20us/contact20%Us.htm www.wikipedia.com and www.Jellfishfacts.net and other sources. Also based on resort historical records of Jellyfish stings.
