10yo Boy Hospitalised After Stepping on Stingray in Penang, ADUN Warns of Venomous Marine Life at Low Tides

A 10-year-old boy was rushed to the Penang Hospital (HPP) after being stung by a pale-edged stingray at Tanjung Asam Beach on Saturday evening (3 January).

According to a report by Harian Metro, the boy’s mother shared how the boy, Zaeed Khan Wazir Khan, had suddenly screamed in pain while playing in the waters at the beach.

She initially thought that her son had stepped on a sharp rock due to the heavy bleeding from his right leg.

“He couldn’t get up at all and screamed in pain, saying his leg was hurting. My husband quickly carried him to shore, then took him to a nearby clinic. After his wound was cleaned, the doctor advised us to immediately send him to HPP,” the mother shared.

“He was wailing in the car the whole way. His leg couldn’t be touched at all. This evening, he was transferred from the emergency ward to the regular ward, and his condition is still being monitored by the hospital,” she added.

He had been stung by jellyfish before

The mum also shared that her family visits the beach 4 to 5 times a year and that her son had been stung by a jellyfish before, as he often followed his father fishing.

Due to this, her son knew it was not a jellyfish sting, as the new sting was far more severe.

She added that the creature her son stepped on matched the characteristics of a pale-edged stingray, with the stingray’s spine breaking off and embedding into her son’s leg.

“We also have friends who are fishermen, and they said that, between Eeltail catfish and jellyfish, only the pale-edged stingray frequents the coast during low tides. So, I hope people who come to swim there are careful. My child is still being treated at HPP and has a fever. For now, (the spine) may not be completely removed,” the mother stated.

Low tides aren’t necessarily safe

Following the incident, Bayan Lepas State Legislative Assembly Representative (ADUN) Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz took to his Facebook page to warn the public regarding the dangers of venomous marine life during low tides.

He wrote, “Referring to the incident that happened to Zaeed Khan while bathing in Tanjung Asam. First of all, I express my sympathy and pray for Zaeed’s speedy recovery.”

“For those who wish to bathe in Tanjung Asam, Teluk Bayu or the seas where the waters are muddy, please be more careful and avoid bathing when waters are low because that’s when pale-edged stingrays and other venomous marine species are active near the shore. This situation is expected to last until March, while the waters are low,” Azrul Mahathir stated.

What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.

Also read: Pee on a Jellyfish Sting? Don’t! Here’s What MOH Recommends You Do in This Situation Instead