The footage, posted on Threads by Irwan Ismail, showed the marine mammals gliding beneath the surface before porpoising through the waters off the coast of Tioman.
The video, recorded by a diver earlier today, quickly gained traction online, with many describing it as an extraordinary encounter rarely seen in Malaysian waters.
In the caption accompanying the post, Irwan said he was unable to identify the animals.
He said he could not confirm whether they were pilot whales or false killer whales, but described the encounter as an incredible sight in Malaysian waters.
The New Straits Times has reached out to marine experts to verify the species captured in the video and is awaiting confirmation on whether the animals are pilot whales, false killer whales or another species of cetacean.
The post drew hundreds of reactions, with many expressing amazement at the unusually large school.
One user wrote: "I never imagined we could witness something like this in Malaysia."
Another commented: "I've been diving for years and have never seen anything remotely close to this."
A third described it as "a once-in-a-lifetime experience", while others urged boaters and visitors to keep a safe distance from the animals and avoid disturbing them.
Whales are occasionally sighted in Malaysian waters, although gatherings of this size are uncommon. Several cetacean species, including pilot whales, false killer whales, sperm whales and dolphins, have previously been recorded in the South China Sea.
The sighting has renewed public interest in the rich marine biodiversity surrounding Tioman Island and the importance of conserving Malaysia's marine ecosystems. - NST
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