Kedah requests jellyfish sting antidote at Langkawi hospital following Russian toddler’s death, plans beach safety meeting with experts.
ALOR SETAR: The Kedah government hopes a jellyfish sting antidote will be made available at Sultanah Maliha Hospital in Langkawi following a recent tragedy.
A two-year-old Russian toddler died after being stung by a box jellyfish while bathing at Pantai Chenang on November 15.
Kedah Tourism, Culture and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin confirmed no antidote exists in the state currently.
“I have discussed this matter with the chairman of the Kedah Health Committee that there is no antidote in this state including Langkawi,” he said.
Mohd Salleh noted the antidote is available in several other locations including Sabah.
He pledged to bring the matter to the Ministry of Health for urgent consideration.
The boy, Vladimir Iakubanets, died at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital five days after the jellyfish attack.
Mohd Salleh met the child’s parents at the hospital to offer condolences.
He will hold a meeting with relevant agencies on November 24 to discuss beach safety specifically.
“We will also involve experts to conduct additional studies on this jellyfish,” he added.
The safety of all visitors remains the state government’s top priority.
Although considered an isolated case, the incident is taken seriously given Langkawi’s status as a major tourist destination.
Millions of tourists visit the resort island annually, making comprehensive safety measures essential. – Bernama
