KOTA BARU: Police today confirmed that the remains of 14 members of the Batek tribe in Kuala Koh, who died of an as-yet-unidentified disease, have been found.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Hasanuddin Hassan said the graves were discovered deep in the jungles of Gua Musang.
"(Once all the bodies are retrieved and sent to the Gua Musang Hospital), we will record statements from their family members," he said, adding that the last four remains will be brought out today.
Hasanuddin said that a 12-man police forensic team involved in the 'Ops Batek' operation, assisted by several Orang Asli members, is expected to recover the bodies.
He said the duration of the journey out of the jungle will depend on the weather.
"The location where the bodies were found is deep in the jungle. It took them between four and five hours to reach there.
"If the journey is made using boats, it will cut the distance by almost two hours - but that is also dependent on the weather.
"If it rains, the operation might be delayed," Hasanuddin told reporters after chairing the state police’s monthly gathering here, today.
He added that Kuala Koh, which was declared a 'Red Zone' in the face of the ongoing health crisis, will remain a hotspot until further notice.
The final four out of 14 bodies of Orang Asli members who died of a mysterious illness recently were discovered yesterday on the far side of the Lebir river.
All 14 remains, including two which were exhumed by the police last week, will be placed at the Gua Musang Hospital.