Thousands rock at tsunami concert

The concert featured The Backstreet Boys and other stars

US hip-hop act Black Eyed Peas and Lauryn Hill have taken part in a tsunami benefit concert in one of the countries affected by the disaster.

Tens of thousands of people attended the eight-hour concert near the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur.

Nearly 70 people were killed in Malaysia when the tsunami hit on 26 December. The overall death toll is thought to be more than 300,000.

Organisers say the concert raised 10 million ringgit (£1.38m).

We cannot let those faces in the headlines just fade away Michelle Yeoh, actress

Pop act Backstreet Boys, R&B stars Boyz II Men and rapper Wyclef Jean also performed at the concert, which was held on Saturday.

"It is our honour, it is our duty to be here tonight, to do this for an important cause," Boyz II Men singer Shawn Stockman told the crowd.

Hong Kong pop singer Nicholas Tse, film star Jackie Chan, Malaysia's jazz queen Sheila Majid and Indonesian singer Ruth Sahanaya were also on the bill.

There were also appearances from former Baywatch actress Carmen Electra, American Idol judge Paula Abdul, Japanese actor Ken Watanabe and Chinese actress Bai Ling.

Human spirit

Former Bond girl Michelle Yeoh said: "On 26 December, a terrible disaster struck the area we call home."

"This has moved many of us to act, that is why we are all here tonight. We cannot let those faces in the headlines just fade away," she said.

Razali Ismail, special envoy to Malaysia's tsunami aid efforts, thanked the crowd for attending the concert, which was organised by Malaysian charity Force of Nature.

He said: "When you hear the phrase 'force of nature' you think of a disaster, but we believe that the strongest force of nature is the will of the human spirit.

"Thank you for coming and joining us to help the tsunami victims, those who are unable to pick themselves up and need our help."