Compiled by AHMAD SYARAFI ADLI AZAMI, C. ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN

       AN eatery owner who went fishing in Marang Terengganu has found what is speculated to be “whale vomit” or ambergris, Harian Metro reported. If it is authentic ambergris, it could fetch a high price.

       “I saw something floating. I thought it was trash. I used a stick to pull it to the side,” said Aida Zurina Long, 41.

       She said it appeared like a clump of candle wax. It weighed about 5kg.

       “When my father tried to burn it, it dripped like a candle. There was a pleasant smell as well,” she said.

       Ambergris is sought by perfumers as it can help retain a perfume’s fragrance for a longer period.

       Aida’s fisherman father believed it was ambergris, which is very rare.

       “We did tests similar to ones we have seen on the Internet and the results indicated that it is ambergris.

       “I am not saying it is 100% authentic. If anyone wishes to confirm its authenticity, I am ready to cooperate,” she added.

       Harian Metro also quoted Assoc Prof Dr Hasrizal Shaari from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu as saying that the university had the expertise to verify the sample.

       He said ambergris of high value must contain three active ingredients – ambrein, epicoprosterol and coprostanone.

       “Without these three, there will be no value to it,” he said.

       In January, a Thai fisherman in the Songkhla province found a waxy lump weighing 7kg which turned out to be ambergris.

       British newspaper Daily Mail reported that in April 2016, 1.57kg of ambergris found in Lancashire sold for ￡50,000 (RM280,000).

       The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.