Sabah Beach Again The Scene Of Fatal Box Jellyfish Sting

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Sad news from Sabah with a 7-year old girl succumbing to the deadly venom of a box jellyfish sting. 

Little has been reported about the child or the incident, though it's said that she collapsed on the sand when coming out of shallow water, and a subsequent post mortem concluded that the "cause of death was jellyfish envenomation".

Her tragic death occurred at Pantai Sawangan in Kuala Penyu, south-west of Kota Kinabalu, on Thursday 21 August, 2025.

This region too commonly is the site of serious box jellyfish stings and fatalities. 

Devastatingly, it's unlikely there were any warning signs or information posters or even treatment options such as vinegar available at this popular beach.

There appears to be a lot of work behind the scenes at a scientific level, though on Malaysia's beachfronts there's a continued pattern of young children dying from box jellyfish stings.

Not so in northern neighbour Thailand where a decline in sting numbers and improved victim outcomes are a direct result of a co-ordinated, government-led and far-reaching, network-based programme developed and refined for over 10-years. 

From ministers, marine biologists and epidemiologists to medical facilities, resort owners and beachside bar managers, everyone takes responsibility, plays a role and facilitates change for the better together. 

Kids lives are saved.

Horrible news for this poor girl's family, friends and community.

Malaysia, be better!


Read New Straits Times report



Location: Pantai Sawangan Kuala Penyu Sabah, Jalan Bakong Sawangan, 89709 Kuala Penyu, Sabah, Malaysia

Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 10, 2025 at 6:54 PM

    Hello blog boxie. I have a question. I am currently in Maldives (North Male Atoll) and its October, in the Rainy Season with lots of Rain and Storms at the Moment. Do you know if there are Box Jellyfish here?
    Our Island has a stormier west coast and calm coral east coast. Which side would boxies prefer if they existed here?
    Best Regards
    Thomas

    ReplyDelete
  2. Boxie BlogOctober 13, 2025 at 4:05 PM

    Best ask around and dig a little locally Thomas. Know box jellyfish are there, but not aware of any recent reports. Not familiar with the Maldives. Boxies less likely to be in rough seas. Sandy shallows are where they hunt. River estuaries and mangroves are where they're known to breed. And they'll swim about among the coral. Plenty of tips in the blog. Take care and enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousOctober 13, 2025 at 7:43 PM

      Thank you for your advice! 🙏

      Delete

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