The two survivors, Miksudiar Aluj, 12, and Norieen Yaacob, 11, have yet to return to school as they are still traumatised by the incident in which four of their schoolmates died and one is still missing.

Last year, after almost 50 days in the jungle, four of the children – Ika Ayel, 9, Haikal Yaacob, 8, Linda Rosli, 8, and Juvina David, 7 — were found dead, while Sasa Sobrie, 8, remains missing.

Today, in Kampung Gawin in Pos Tohoi here, Miksudiar still prefers to stay home.

Norieen, who is from Kampung Penad in Pos Tohoi and has been living with her aunt in Kuala Lumpur since last May, constantly cries when she thinks about the incident.

Miksudiar’s uncle Akek Bahel, 47, when met at his home in Kampung Gawin today, said she was recovering but still needed treatment for her heart problems.

Akek said Miksudiar wanted to return to school, but her mother Rosita Bahel, 43, was reluctant to let her go as she was afraid a similar incident would happen again.

“We always tell Rosita to let her daughter return to school,” Akek told reporters.

Meanwhile, Norieen’s mother, Midah Angah, 41, when met at her home in Kampung Penad, said Norieen could not stay at home as she was always crying when she thought of her younger brother, Haikal, who died in the incident.

Midah said Norieen had to be taken from the village to live with her aunt in Kuala Lumpur to help her forget the tragedy.

“We planned to let Norieen return to school, but are waiting for her to come back in October to discuss the matter and choose which primary school she wants to go to.”

Gua Musang District Education Officer Muhammad Zahari Othman said they would give preference to the two pupils to study at the schools of their choice.