One of the graves appears to have been dug and re-filled with earth.
KANOWIT: Residents of Nanga Tada Resettlement Scheme condemn the tomb-raiding menace at their burial ground in Nibong-Tada Road here.
Fifteen graves were disturbed in the latest incident last week but the residents only realised the matter on Monday.
Pengulu Ugap Seribu of Nanga Tada said the tomb raiders were after the ‘baya’ (items buried with the dead) in the graves.
“It is the second major incident after the first one in April last year where about 30 graves were opened.
“The thieves are being disrespectful towards the dead and their family members,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Ugap said they had been using the burial ground long before Rajang Area Security Command (Rascom) formed the Nanga Tada Resettlement Scheme in 1973.
He added that 18 longhouses in the area and three other longhouses nearby buried their dead at the cemetery.
He added he would discuss with his charges on what to do next to stop the unlawful activity.
Among graves raided in the latest incident belonged to the family of Chua Sabai a former councillor of Kanowit District Council.
She is puzzled the thieves not only took valuable items buried with the dead but they also took the bones as well.
“They emptied the coffins. Nothing is left,” she said.
Chua hoped the relevant authorities would act tough on the perpetrators.