PADANG BESAR: Mass graves containing nearly 100 bodies of Rohingya migrants were found at an abandoned camp in a jungle at Wang Kelian near Gunung Perlis.
The other part of the mountain, which is also known as Gunung Cina, lies within Thai territory.
The peak can be accessed through Wang Burma and the border of Wang Kelian.
The flat hilltop is a favourite area for wild boars.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, who was briefed by police, said the camp was located in a state park which is closed to the public to prevent illegal logging or jungle-clearing.
He said human traffickers used the camp as a temporary detention centre.
“I was told that many mass graves have been found. There was also a body left unburied at the scene.
“We believe that there are about 100 bodies in the graves,” he said here yesterday.
The Star had reported that a mass grave believed to contain the bodies of Rohingya migrants was found in a restricted area in Padang Besar.
The area has a hiking trail while several chalets were also provided there.
Visitors who want to stay or visit the park must register with the state forestry department.
Shahidan, who is a former Perlis mentri besar, said he was responsible for developing the state park.
He criticised park rangers and other enforcement agencies for not monitoring the area more closely.
“I will consider filing a police report against those who failed to monitor the park,” he added.
Did you find this article insightful?
