Sarawak Forestry verifying claims ‘whale vomit’ found in Kuala Belawai

SIBU (Nov 11): Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has deployed a team to Kuala Belawai to verify the authenticity of an object claimed to be ‘whale vomit’ or ambergris.

In a Facebook post today, SFC said scientific verification is ongoing to confirm whether the material is genuine.

“The Controller of Wildlife said any further action will be taken in accordance with the Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998 once verification results are obtained,” said SFC.

Facebook page Gendang Berita Kita shared yesterday that a fisherman from Kampung Lot Baru Belawai found an unusual 1.2kg object believed to be ‘whale vomit’ in waters off Kuala Belawai.

Semawi Mantali, 58, was reported to have come across the floating object while fishing along the coastline at around 7am.

He said the object, which resembled a waxy stone, caught his attention because of its distinctive texture and unusual smell.

“I thought it was just ordinary marine debris but when I picked it up and examined it, the smell was strong and the shape was unusual,” he is quoted as saying.

According to Wikipedia, ambergris is a rare, waxy substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales.

It is often referred to as ‘whale vomit’ although it is more accurately an intestinal secretion formed to protect the whale’s gut from hard, indigestible items such as squid beaks.

Ambergris is highly valuable due to its rarity as only a small number of sperm whales produce it.

Its natural ageing process transforms it from a strong-smelling substance into a fragrant, musky material prized by luxury perfumers as a natural fixative that enhances and prolongs scents.

Even small lumps are said to be worth tens of thousands of dollars depending on their quality and scent.