Tourism, culture and entrepreneurship committee chairman Salleh Saidin said although the incident was considered isolated, the antidote must be made available to protect the public.

“I have discussed this matter with the chairman of the Kedah health committee and confirmed that there is no antidote in our state, including Langkawi, while it is available in several other places, including Sabah.

“We will take the matter to the health ministry so this antidote can also be made available in Langkawi,” he said at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital here today.

Earlier, Salleh met the parents of the Russian child who was confirmed to have died on Wednesday after being stung by a box jellyfish while bathing in the sea at Pantai Cenang on Nov 15.

He said he would also hold a meeting with relevant agencies on Nov 24 to discuss specifically about beach safety.

“We will also involve experts to conduct additional studies on the box jellyfish because the safety of all visitors is our priority,” he said.

Alhough the incident is an isolated case in Langkawi, he said, the state government still views it seriously because the resort island is visited by millions of tourists every year.