Swarms of jellyfish injure numerous athletes, including Raja Kecil Besar Perak, during an open water meet in Teluk Senangin.
In the picturesque coastal town of Lumut, Perak, an open water swimming competition took place yesterday, causing quite a stir. The event, known as the Teluk Senangin Open Water Swim 2025, was organized by a private company from outside Perak, raising questions about the lack of consultation with local authorities.
A. Sivanesan, the chairman of the Perak Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee, has expressed his concerns about such activities being held without the necessary consultation. He emphasized that outsiders organizing activities should always refer to the authorities to ensure safety and adherence to local regulations.
The competition saw around 40 participants being stung by jellyfish, with at least 30 of them requiring hospital treatment. Thankfully, those who were treated as outpatients are currently in stable conditions, and two of the injured participants have already been discharged from Manjung Hospital.
The Raja Kecil Besar, Raja Azlan Muzzaffar Shah, the son of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, participated in the 3-kilometre men's junior 12-19 age group of the competition. Despite his participation, the incident highlights the importance of safety measures and consultation with local authorities to ensure events can be held safely and without incident.
It is worth noting that the sports and health executive committees were not aware of the event, and there was no official statement or explanation from the organizers or local authorities regarding the absence of consultation. The incident suggests a potential oversight in safety planning and coordination with local bodies who might have advised against holding the event or provided appropriate safety measures.
Moreover, the local residents and beach-goers were aware of the safety concerns at the site, particularly the risk of jellyfish stings. A. Sivanesan believes the organizer should have consulted the Malaysian Maritime Department for information about the jellyfish threat in the area.
On a positive note, a Fundus Camera was presented for eye checks at Royal Club Ipoh during the same day, providing a valuable resource for local healthcare.
In conclusion, while the exact reasons for the lack of consultation remain unclear, the reported safety issues and local knowledge of jellyfish risks imply a lack of adequate communication and coordination with the Lumut authorities prior to the event. It is crucial for event organizers to prioritize safety and work closely with local authorities to ensure the wellbeing of all participants.
[1] Local residents raise concerns about safety at Teluk Senangin beach. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/02/13/local-residents-raise-concerns-about-safety-at-teluk-senangin-beach
[2] 40 participants injured in jellyfish stings during open water swimming competition in Perak. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/618549
- Despite the competition being organized by an outside company, it is essential for all event organizers in Malaysia, including those in Lumut, Perak, to consult with local authorities to ensure the safety of participants and adherence to local regulations.
- The lack of consultation by the organizers of the Teluk Senangin Open Water Swim 2025 led to around 40 participants being stung by jellyfish, with many requiring hospital treatment.
- The incident highlights the importance of considering local knowledge and potential safety issues, such as the risks of jellyfish stings, particularly in areas like Teluk Senangin beach.
- In light of the reported safety issues at the Teluk Senangin Open Water Swim 2025, it is crucial for event organizers to prioritize safety, coordinate with local authorities, and work together to ensure the well-being of all participants, promoting a safe environment for sports and health-and-wellness activities.
