THE Kedah state government has vowed to improve beach safety and ensure that antidotes for jellyfish stings are made available following the death of two-year-old Russian toddler, Vladimir Iakubanets, who succumbed to a box jellyfish sting in Langkawi.
Vladimir, who had dreamt of becoming a doctor to help those in pain, was attacked by a box jellyfish while bathing at Pantai Chenang on 15 November.
He battled for his life for four days at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) in Alor Setar before passing away on 19 November.
His mother, Olga, recounted the boy’s ambitions with visible grief. “His father is a neurosurgeon and our son wanted to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. He also loved cars and always said he wanted to drive fast like his father,” she said.
Vladimir’s parents, who had arrived in Malaysia on 14 November for a family holiday, expressed their profound sorrow and frustration over the ordeal.
“We hope our child’s death will be the last. No one should have to go through what we experienced,” his father, Nikita, said. The couple also praised the assistance offered by the Kedah state government, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and the Russian Embassy in Malaysia during the aftermath.
The tragedy has prompted Kedah tourism, culture and entrepreneurship committee chairman, Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin, to call for the provision of a jellyfish antidote at Sultanah Maliha Hospital, Langkawi.
“I have discussed this matter with the chairman of the Kedah Health Committee; currently, no antidote exists in this state, including Langkawi, although it is available in other locations such as Sabah.
“We will raise this with the Health Ministry so that Langkawi can also have access, because our beaches attract millions of visitors,” he said.
Mohd Salleh announced that a meeting with relevant agencies will take place on 24 November to specifically address beach safety measures and further research into the local jellyfish population.
“The safety of all visitors is our priority. While this sting is an isolated incident in Langkawi, we take it very seriously,” he added.
The parents also voiced a call for heightened vigilance on Langkawi’s beaches. “The death of our child should serve as a warning. Beach safety must be enhanced, and these deaths must stop,” they said.
The heartbreaking incident has drawn attention to the risks posed by marine life to tourists and underscores the need for both preparedness and public awareness to prevent future tragedies. - November 22, 2025
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