The Kedah Fisheries Department (DOF) has confirmed the presence of box jellyfish in the waters around Langkawi, following recent reports.
Its director, Sukri Deris, said the species has been detected at a moderate level, noting that while the situation is not severe enough to suspend all recreational activities, it still poses a potential hazard to beachgoers and commercial operations, including fishing.
“Their presence is sufficient to pose a danger to activities in these waters, whether recreational or commercial,” he highlighted in a statement yesterday.
Box jellyfish are commonly found across Australia to Southeast Asia, and Sukri explained that monsoon transition conditions and shifting sea currents may have carried these jellyfish into Langkawi waters.
He added that increased rainfall has led to a larger flow of freshwater and land runoff into the sea, bringing nutrients that may attract the species closer to shore.
“Food sources become more abundant near the coastline when more freshwater flows into the sea, which may influence the presence of box jellyfish,” he said.
The DOF will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with the District Disaster Committee to determine if further action is needed.
Public awareness efforts will be stepped up through continuous announcements to alert tourists, local communities and commercial operators of the associated risks.
