A team of Malaysian archaeologists has uncovered more than a dozen prehistoric human skeletons dating back as far as 16,000 years in the remote Nenggiri Valley, about 215 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur. The caves where these remains were found are scheduled to be flooded by mid-2027 to create a 300-megawatt hydroelectric reservoir, covering an area of 53 square kilometers.
One of the skeletons, 16,000 years old, was found in Kechil Cave in Pahang, offering new insights into the lives of prehistoric peoples in Southeast Asia, according to a report from Live Science. In addition to the skeletons, archaeologists discovered artifacts that provide clues about the culture and lifestyle of ancient communities in the region.
Found alongside 15 other skeletal remains, this discovery is considered one of the oldest in Malaysia and is expected to reveal important information about prehistoric migration and culture in the area.
Key Prehistoric Findings
Archaeologist Zuliskandar Ramli from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, who led the excavation, stated that his team discovered 16 skeletons in 13 limestone caves across four different locations.
Of these, fifteen were found in a crouched position, a common burial style in the pre-Neolithic era, accompanied by artifacts such as stone tools and shells. Meanwhile, one skeleton, found in an extended position, dates back to the Neolithic period, about 6,000 years ago, based on sediment and radiocarbon dating.
In addition to the skeletons, more than 71,000 prehistoric artifacts were found in the Nenggiri Valley caves. Most of these were fragments of processed stone tools, but thousands of pottery shards and stone ornaments were also uncovered.
According to Ramli, many of these artifacts were burial goods deliberately buried with the deceased. Pre-Neolithic burials typically contained stone tools, hematite minerals, or red ochre, as well as crystals, while Neolithic graves tended to include items such as stone bracelets, polished stone tools, and pottery pieces.
New Perspectives on Prehistoric Migration
The discovery in Kechil Cave is expected to deepen our understanding of ancient human migration in Southeast Asia. During the Pleistocene era, this region was a crucial migration route due to the existence of land bridges connecting it to other parts of Asia. These findings could fill gaps in our knowledge about migration patterns, adaptation, and the development of early humans in diverse environments.
Dr. Rosli Omar, one of the lead archaeologists on the project, explained that DNA analysis of these skeletons could provide insights into the genetic diversity and origins of ancient Southeast Asian populations. The discovery is anticipated to be key in understanding how early humans inhabited and adapted to this region over thousands of years.
Major Archaeological Treasure
The skeletons found in Kechil Cave are currently being preserved and studied by the Malaysian Department of Heritage, while some are housed in specialized facilities owned by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). These findings, along with important artifacts, are part of an in-depth study before the caves are submerged.
The RM5 billion Nenggiri Hydroelectric Project is expected to flood these caves once completed, creating a 53.84 km² main reservoir and a 0.97 km² flow regulation pool. Excavation began in March 2022 and was completed by October 2023, ahead of the submersion of the caves beneath a vast lake that will form part of the 300-megawatt hydroelectric power project.
The project aims to provide electricity for Malaysia and create jobs, especially for the Orang Asli community and local residents. However, critics are concerned about the negative impact on ancestral lands and forests that will be submerged, affecting Orang Asli villages along the Nenggiri River.
