IPOH — An open water swimming competition at Teluk Senangin in Lumut, which left around 40 participants nursing jellyfish stings, was organised without notifying local authorities, the Perak state government revealed.
Perak Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said the event organisers, a private company based outside the state, failed to consult the relevant agencies, including the Malaysian Maritime Department, before proceeding.
“The organisers are from outside Perak. We were not informed about the event — not even the sports or health executive councils were aware,” he told reporters after a ceremony to hand over a fundus camera for eye screenings at the Royal Ipoh Club today.
“This should serve as a lesson to outsiders planning to hold any activities here — they must refer to the authorities. Fortunately, there were no serious incidents this time.”
At least 40 swimmers participating in the Teluk Senangin Open Water Swim 2025 were stung by jellyfish during yesterday’s event and required hospital treatment.
Among the participants was the Raja Kecil Besar of Perak, Raja Azlan Muzzaffar Shah, the son of Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah. He had competed in the men’s junior 12–19 age group category over a 3-kilometre distance.
Sivanesan said two of those warded have since been discharged from Manjung Hospital, while those treated as outpatients are reportedly in stable condition.
In a statement posted on Facebook, event organiser AMMJB Swimmers Event & Clinics confirmed that Raja Azlan sustained only minor injuries.
“He is in good condition and healthy despite suffering a slight sting to the hand,” it said.
The organiser also dismissed claims that the royal participant had suffered serious injuries, calling such allegations baseless and an attempt to cause confusion and discredit the competition. — August 3, 2025