Langkawi: The combination of sun, sand and crystal-clear waters may promise the perfect tropical getaway, yet beneath the surface lies a hidden danger that many beachgoers may be unaware of. According to BERNAMA News Agency, what looks like a harmless piece of translucent 'plastic' drifting in the sea could actually be a jellyfish. While most jellyfish species are harmless, some are venomous and capable of delivering painful, and sometimes dangerous, stings. Experts warn that jellyfish could be the 'biggest winners' from climate change and the El Niño phenomenon as the warmer temperatures may accelerate their growth and create conditions favorable for them to thrive. Scientific studies document around 20 to 34 types of jellyfish species in Malaysian waters, mostly from the Scyphozoa and Cubozoa classes. Among them is the box jellyfish, regarded as one of the world's most venomous marine animals, whose sting can inflict excruciating pain, trigger cardiac arrest and, in severe cases, cause death within minute s. A study published in the 'Journal of Travel Medicine' in July 2011 by the International Society of Travel Medicine reported three fatal box jellyfish stings in Malaysia between 2000 and 2010, all involving tourists. As for more recent cases, on November 19 last year, a two-year-old Russian boy died four days after being stung by a box jellyfish while swimming with his family in shallow waters at Pantai Cenang in Langkawi. Following the incident, the Langkawi District Civil Defence Force reported that a total of 102 jellyfish sting cases were recorded in the island's waters over the past three years, with 2024 registering the highest number at 73 cases. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Faculty of Biological Science senior lecturer Dr Wan Mohd Syazwan Wan Solahudin said the increase in jellyfish blooms around the world, including Malaysia, over the past few decades is a cause for concern due to their impact on the ecosystem and humans. A jellyfish bloom refers to a massive, rapid explosion in the populatio n of jellyfish in a specific marine area. 'Some species, particularly the Portuguese Man O' War, Irukandji and Chironex sp., can cause severe symptoms, complications and even fatalities from their harmful stings. In Malaysian waters alone, over 700 cases of jellyfish stings, both fatal and non-fatal, have been reported since the early 2000s,' he told Bernama. Wan Mohd Syazwan said jellyfish could benefit from climate change as the rising ocean temperatures can stimulate the recruitment of juvenile jellyfish and accelerate their growth. These conditions are particularly favorable during El Niño events, when warmer waters, reduced oxygen levels and ocean acidification create an environment that allows jellyfish populations to flourish. He said aside from climate-related effects, jellyfish blooms are also caused by human activities such as overfishing, and an increase in human-made structures such as fishing stakes, fish cages and jetties. He added that the blooms may also negatively disrupt economy-driven human activities as most sting cases often involve beachgoers-beach closures can hinder recreational activities and cause losses in tourism revenue. Wan Mohd Syazwan said jellyfish blooms are not new in Malaysia and historical records have indicated that at least 65 cases of jellyfish blooms occurred in Malaysian waters from the early 1960s to the present, with at least five jellyfish species identified as the culprits. He said researchers are still in need of more information on why jellyfish thrive in certain areas and whether it is due to climate change or other human factors. Meanwhile, Associate Prof Dr Ahmad Khaldun Ismail, an emergency physician and clinical toxinologist at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said greater public awareness, better-trained first responders and wider emergency preparedness remain crucial to reducing fatalities related to jellyfish stings. Dr Ahmad Khaldun said unlike most jellyfish species, box jellyfish possess an extremely potent venom c apable of attacking the heart and nervous system. He also urged beach operators and local authorities to ensure lifeguards and first responders are trained in basic life support (BLS). Dr Ahmad Khaldun, who is also the founding consultant and advisor of Southeast Asia Remote Envenomation Consultancy Services, said Malaysia does not manufacture its own antivenom. He said the box jellyfish antivenom is manufactured solely in Australia. It is imported and stocked only in hospitals located in coastal areas with a documented incidence of severe box jellyfish envenomation. He also urged the public to abandon unproven first-aid practices such as applying urine, sand or soft drinks to stings. Instead, visible tentacles should be rinsed away gently using seawater before seeking immediate medical treatment.