TOTAL of 102 cases of jellyfish stings were recorded in the waters off Langkaw in the past three years, with last year recording the highest number with 73 victims.
Langkawi District Civil Defence Officer, Captain (PA) Khairul Afzan Md Yasin, said that of the total, the Pantai Chenang Coastal Rescue Tower (MPP) recorded 47 cases, followed by the Pelangi MPP (nine cases) and the Pantai Tengah MPP (17 cases).
"Throughout 2023, only six cases were recorded involving five at the Pantai Chenang MPP and one case at the Pantai Tengah MPP," he said in a statement, today.
He said this year showed a decline when 23 cases were recorded until November 15, including a tragic incident involving a two-year-old Russian boy who died from a box jellyfish sting.
"Following the case, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) Langkawi has increased patrols in coastal areas in addition to placing notices informing visitors regarding the presence of dangerous jellyfish," he said.
Khairul said that weather changes and storms were also the cause of the appearance of box jellyfish around Langkawi waters recently because the species was rarely found before.
"The box jellyfish attack that claimed the child's life is the first recorded this year because previous cases only involved ordinary jellyfish," he said.
Yesterday, the media reported that the victim, Vladimir Iakubanets, 2, died at 9.46 am after receiving treatment at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB), Alor Setar.
The child was previously stung by a jellyfish while bathing at Chenang Beach, last Saturday. - November 20, 2025
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