Four orang asli pupils buried together

GUA MUSANG: The four Orang Asli pupils of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tohoi, who were found dead after they went missing in the thick jungle in Pos Tohoi here since August, were buried together in a grave here Sunday. 

They were Ika Ayel, 7, Haikal Yaakob, 8, Linda Rosli, 8, and Juvina David, 7. 

Their families were allowed to claim the remains after DNA tests were concluded by the Chemistry Department. 

Twenty vehicles carrying family members of the victims as well as Orang Asli Development Department deputy director-general Nisra Nisran Ramlan attended the funeral. 

The children were laid to rest according to customs of the Temiar tribe at 2pm at Kampung Penad. 

Seven SK Tohoi pupils were reported missing on Aug 23 after fleeing from their hostel for fear of punishment for swimming in a nearby river without permission. 

Two of the pupils, Norieen Yaakob, 10, and Miksudiar Aluj, 11, were found alive on Oct 9 after going missing for 48 days in the jungle. 

Efforts were being done to find the remaining child Sasa Sobrie, 8. 

Haikal's mother, Midah Angah, 40, said she rushed to the hospital to ensure that her son could be buried together with the three other victims according to their customs in her hometown. 

"I just want to be there to send him off for the last time," said Midah, who is also Norieen's mother.

The child is receiving treatment at the Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital in Kota Baru. - BERNAMA