Archaeologists have stumbled upon human skeletal remains believed to be from the Mesolithic Age in the Bewah Cave in the Kenyir Lake area (Malaysia), according to a university professor. The remains, believed to be those of a youth, are estimated to be between 8,000 and 11,000 years old, said Prof Datuk Dr Nik Hasan Shuhaimi Nik Abdul Rahman, deputy director of the Institute of the Malay World and Civilisation (ATMA) of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
     The remains were uncovered by archaeologists from UKM, the Museums Department and the Terengganu Museum Board at a depth of 65 to 70 centimetres. DNA samples from the remains had been sent to the United States for analysis, and the results are expected next month at the latest.
     Dr Nik Hasan Shuhaimi, who is heading the team of archaeologists excavating at the site, said pieces of pottery believed to date back to the Neolithic Age were also found there. "Among the pieces of pottery are some bearing what resembles rock painting which researchers have dug up at Neolithic sites elsewhere in the country," he said. Menteri Besar Ahmad said the state government would carry on with excavation to find other ancient artefacts. He said the artefacts found at the Bewah Cave would be framed in glass and kept for public viewing at the site, and not in a museum, in a move to draw more visitors to Kenyir Lake.

Source: The Star Online (6 February 2010)