Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed his sadness on the death of four Orang Asli students of Sekolah Kebangsaan Tohoi who previously went missing together with three others in Gua Musang, Kelantan.

Ahmad Zahid expressed his condolences to the families of the students who died after going missing since Aug 23.

The search team also found two female students, Miksudiar Alui, 11, and Norieen Yaakob, 10, in weak condition and hungry.

Meanwhile, Sasa Sobrie, eight, and Ika Ayel, nine, were confirmed dead. Two other students who died had yet to be identified. The search for another student was still ongoing.

Ahmad Zahid said he had earlier met with the parents of the unfortunate students and directed that the search operations be extended to a wider area involving the Senoi Praaq troops.

He said the Education Department had also been directed to relocate all the Orang Asli student hostels to the school building while the existing hostels would be turned into teachers' quarters.

This was to avoid the students from feeling alienated, added Ahmad Zahid.

- Bernama