UMT advises public to avoid contact with red seaweed washing ashore, warning of skin irritation and hydrogen sulfide gas risks during decomposition
KUALA NERUS: The public has been advised against touching red seaweed washing ashore on Universiti Malaysia Terengganu beaches.
UMT Reference & Repository Centre head Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Hafiz Borkhanuddin said physical contact with the Ceramiales group species may cause itching in sensitive individuals.
He explained the seaweed appears during the Northeast Monsoon transition when strong winds and waves dislodge it from the seabed.
“Recently, we have observed a phenomenon of red seaweed washing up along the UMT beach,” he said in a statement.
“The seaweed is light red, thread-like with short segments, soft and not easily broken.”
He clarified the seaweed isn’t toxic but damages easily when exposed to freshwater like rain.
“The risk to humans relates mainly to physical contact on the beach or in the water, and individuals with sensitive skin may experience itching.”
Similar seaweed wash-ups occurred along UMT’s coastline in August-December 2003 and October 2016.
Uncollected seaweed clumps undergo natural degradation producing liquid that accumulates beneath them.
This process emits foul odours and attracts large numbers of small insects.
“The main risk is the release of toxic hydrogen sulfide gas, which can cause dizziness and nausea,” Muhammad Hafiz warned.
He advised the public to avoid activities in areas where red seaweed has accumulated.
However, he emphasized this isn’t a pollution sign but a natural coastal ecosystem process.
Seaweed serves as temporary habitat for small marine organisms like amphipods, isopods and coastal insects. – Bernama
