A TOTAL 32 whale carcasses from seven species found in Malaysian waters over the past 20 years, said the Fisheries Department as reported by The New Straits Times.
Sarawak recorded the highest number with eight whale carcasses, followed by seven in Sabah, five each in Johor and Terengganu, three each in Pahang and Kedah, and one in Selangor.
Department director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said the most common species found include the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), Bryde's whale, sei whale, pygmy sperm whale, and Cuvier's beaked whale.
He said whales are migratory mammals that travel between habitats for food, reproduction, and to find safer environments.
"For instance, the waters off Pahang may be part of their main migration route due to the abundance of krill - a type of shrimp that is a major food source in the area.
"One of the causes of whale stranding and death on Malaysian shores is injuries sustained from collisions with ships or boats," he said when contacted by NST.
Adnan added that seawater contaminated by chemical pollution can also disrupt whale navigation, forcing the mammals towards the shoreline.
Climate change and ocean conditions caused by global warming may also force whales to search for food in shallow waters, increasing the risk of stranding.
Sick or disoriented whales may follow other pods, and as their physical condition weakens, die and wash ashore.
He said most stranded whales on Malaysian beaches do not survive. Even if successfully pushed back to sea, the whales often return to shore before dying. – February 26, 2025
