Some 42,000 indigenous people from 261 villages throughout the country were reportedly affected in the recent catastrophic floods, said Orang Asli representative in the Senate, Senator Datuk Mohamad Olian Abdullah.

He said the worst affected were the indigenous community in Kelantan involving a total of 7,995 people from 67 villages, especially those in Gua Musang.

To date, the Orang Asli Affairs Department (Jakoa) had spent more than RM2 million on food and basic necessities for the indigenous communities affected by the floods, he said.

He was speaking to reporters after sending off a convoy from the National Welfare Foundation (YKN), Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) Emergency Department and Pahang Association for Orang Asli Concerns (POAPP) on their flood relief mission, here today.

The flood relief programme was launched by YKN Chairman Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. Also present were Unit Head of HKL Emergency Department, Prof Datuk Seri Dr Abu Hassan Asaari Abdullah and YKN Chief Executive Officer Datuk Rafek Reshidullah.

A total of 44 volunteers, including medical specialists and officers joined in the convoy of 11 four-wheel drive vehicles, bringing water filters, mattresses and pillows and health kits worth RM90,000 for the indigenous community in Gua Musang, Kelantan.

Meanwhile, Shahrizat said YKN in helping flood victims is focusing on medical aspects and making medical treatment a priority for the victims.

"I hope efforts to help the flood victims will not end, now that the floods have subsided in several places," she said.