Malaysia sent a 50-strong search and rescue team today to assist relief efforts in Pakistan, where authorities have warned the toll from the deadly earthquake could reach 40,000.

The medical and disaster relief experts are expected to be in Pakistan for two weeks, the government said, adding that it was also donating one million dollars to the victims.

"The governments of India and Afghanistan have also been informed of Malaysia's preparedness to provide assistance on humanitarian grounds to the victims of the quake in those countries," it said.