KUANTAN: The sightings of jellyfish at popular beaches near the state capital since last week have prompted authorities to warn beachgoers to stay alert.
District Civil Defence Force (CDF) officer Captain Shaifu Nizam Ab Rahman said the jellyfish were found washed up on the beach at Teluk Cempedak, Batu Hitam, Cherating and Sepat in large numbers.
"On-duty CDF lifeguards at the four beaches have spotted the sea creatures on the beach.
"We have been advising picnickers to stay out of the water and put up notices along the affected stretch of the coastline to warn the public about the jellyfish.
"Our personnel are trained to provide early treatment if anyone is stung by the jellyfish," Shaifu Nizam said today.
He said 16 personnel had been deployed at the four beaches (four at each location) between Monday and Friday, while 24 personnel would be on duty on weekends.
He also advised those stung by the jellyfish to alert the CDF lifeguards on duty or contact the emergency hotline at 999 for immediate assistance.
It is learnt that CDF has cleared the beaches of the jellyfish.
A Fisheries Department spokesman cautioned picnickers to be careful, and to leave it alone, as it might be venomous.
He said the department had yet to test the sample. Based on the blue colour of the jellyfish, it might be the Portuguese man o' war (physalia cnidaria), which could cause a painful sting.
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