One of the two skeletal remains found during the search for the missing seven Orang Asli pupils in Pos Tohoi, Gua Musang, early this month, has been confirmed as belonging to seven-year-old Juvina David, and one of the two bodies is of nine-year-old Ika Ayel.

Kelantan police chief Mazlan Lazim said it was confirmed through a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) test conducted by Chemistry Department's chemist Nor Aidora Saedon on specimens taken from the skeletal remains and the body.

"The specimen taken from the body confirmed that it is Ika, the biological daughter of Nora Tegau and Ayel Ajeb.

"And the specimen from the skeletal remains confirmed that it is indeed Juvina, the biological daughter of Shela Omar and David Kuasan," he told a press conference on the DNA test results at the Kelantan police contingent headquarters in Kota Baru today.

He said the results for the DNA test on another body and skeletal remains, also found during the search, were expected to be known next week.

The seven pupils of SK Tohoi went missing in the thick jungle after they escaped from the school's hostel for fear of punishment after some students went for a swim in a river without permission on Aug 23.

They were Juvina; Ika; Linda Rosli, eight; Sasa Sobrie, eight; Haikal Yaakob, eight; Norieen Yaakob, 10; and Miksudiar Aluj, 11.

Miksudiar and Norieen were found safe after the search operation entered the 48th day. The search and rescue team also found two bodies and two skeletal remains of children.

Mazlan said efforts were being intensified and the search area had also been expanded from Sungai Perias in Pos Tohoi to Sungai Nenggiri in Gua Musang to find one more pupil who was still unaccounted for.

He said police would also try to record statement on the incident from Miksudiar and Norieen, who are currently receiving treatment at the Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital in Kota Baru.

- Bernama