GOVERNMENT search teams have identified areas where the bodies of eight Bateq tribesmen were placed in Kg Kuala Koh, Gua Musang, said P. Waytha Moorthy.

The minister in charge of national unity said the search is ongoing for four other bodies.

“We have also identified who they are, and we believe that the remaining four will be identified in the next few days,” he said at the Kg Kuala Koh command centre today.

Waytha Moorthy’s portfolios include the Orang Asli Development Department.

The bodies of the Orang Asli, who died from what villagers have called a “mystery illness”, are in the process of being located and retrieved to undergo a post-mortem.

As per tribal customs, bodies are not necessarily buried, but may be left on a platform in the open forest.

Yesterday, the General Operations Force blocked access to Kg Kuala Koh in preparation for the authorities’ entry into the jungle to mark sites where the bodies of 12 Bateq tribesmen were placed.

The search teams comprised Fire and Rescue Department and police personnel, and forensic experts.

Waytha Moorthy described the terrain as “quite complicated”, saying a boat is required for the teams to access some areas.

“After they have identified the areas (where the bodies were placed), the Forensic Department will take some time to retrieve the remains.

“It has to be done carefully, according to the standard operating procedure.”

He added that as of now, Kg Kuala Koh villagers will not be moved to another area.

“We will continue to assist them… They won’t be comfortable if we move them. We have given them clean water and food.

“For now, everything is under control. There are no new cases (of illness).” – June 13, 2019.