People are warned to be careful not to touch toxic jellyfish known as Portuguese man o 'war (Physalia cnidaria).

The sea creature was found stranded on the island of Pulau Pulau, hereby Marang Civil Defense Force (APM) members while undergoing APM Coast Rescue Training two days ago.

Terengganu Fisheries director Zawawi Ali said marine life in jellyfish species categorized into cnidaria phylum has thousands of venomous sting cells.

"Physalia is an animal categorized in cnidaria phylum along with jellyfish where it cannot swim and depends on the current.

"These animals have thousands of stinging cells that can cause extreme pain if exposed to the body," he said

The marine life of the jellyfish species categorized in the cnidaria phylum has thousands of toxic sting cellsMarang.

In this regard, he urged the public to stay away, not to touch or swim in the area where the species is located.

"Just like normal jellyfish, avoid contact with the body as it will cause itching.

"So far no antivenom to treat can be caused by stinging Physalia.

"The treatment is in the form of painkillers and relieves symptoms," he told Sinar Daily.

He said the animals are commonly found in the Pacific Ocean, but in recent times they have been found in the waters of Thailand, Kuantan, Tioman, and Sabah.

"If these species were found in Marang and Setiu, it would mean that in Kuala Terengganu waters there could be similar species," he said.