ACCORDING to a Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) genetics research, the Kelantan Malays could be the first of its race to have stepped foot in the peninsula, Berita Harian reported.
Their presence was said to have been traced back to 60,000 years.
The research, led by USM health science studies centre deputy dean (research and graduate studies) Assoc Prof Dr Zafarina Zainuddin, was funded with a RM1.4mil grant from the Higher Education Ministry.
The research studied the origins of 10 sub-ethnic groups of Malays in Peninsular Malaysia Jawa Malay (Johor and Selangor), Acehnese Malay (Perak), Minang Malay (Negri Sembilan), Banjar Malay (Selangor and Johor), Bugis Malay (Selangor and Johor), Rawa Malay (Perak), Champa Malay (Perak, Kedah and Kelantan), Patani (Kelantan), Langkasuka Kedah and Kelantan Malay.
“This genetics research is the first of its kind that studied the origins of the Malay race,” said Dr Zafarina.
Of the groups that were studied, only those of the Kelantan Malay presented a unique haplogroup, which is mitochondrial DNA group specific to a particular race and geographic location, she said, adding that their genetic make-up showed links to Jawa Malays.
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