Ancient burial site discovered in East Malaysia
4 Aug 2008, 1319 Hrs

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Kuala Lumpur, August 4 (ANI): An ancient burial site, believed to be from the Neolithic period, has been discovered in Batu Niah in Sarawak, East Malaysia.

It was found by a research team from the Centre For Archaeological Research Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the Sarawak Museum Department at Gua Kain Hitam in the Niah-Subis limestone hills in Batu Niah, Miri division.

According to Sarawak Museum Department deputy director Ipoi Datan, the excavations at the site, funded by the National Heritage Department in 2007 and the USM Research University Grant last year, has so far uncovered more than eight human skeletons, dating back 2,000 to 3,000 years ago.

"The human skeletons as well as the associated artifacts such as pottery, ornaments and food remains like shells and animal bones are currently being analyzed in order to extract more information about the burials and lifestyles of the ancient people who lived in the Niah-Subis region during that time," he said.

Datan said that the new finding would not only enrich knowledge on the early history of Sarawak and the nation but also expected to attract more local and foreign tourists to visit the site, which is located in the Niah National Park.

The Sarawak Museum Department has asked for public cooperation in not disturbing or encroaching into the site as the finds had no commercial value but only contained valuable research and academic significance. (ANI)