KUALA LUMPUR - Hundreds of Michael Jackson fans in Malaysia jammed the phone lines of a national radio station Friday to express their shock after hearing of the sudden death of the "king of pop".

Anida Mohamad Tahrim, network programme manager with Fly FM told AFP that the station had been flooded with calls from Jackson's fans, many in tears as they struggled to come to terms with the performer's death.

"There is an overwhelming response. Fans are shocked and many are depressed," she said, adding that Jackson "will be remembered for a long, long time.

"We have decided to play Jackson's music all day long today," she said, referring to the pop star's hits such as Beat it, Thriller and Bad.

"It is a tribute to him. We are keeping our listeners updated with the news surrounding his sudden death," said Anida, herself choked with emotion.

Jackson, 50, collapsed at his rented mansion in the exclusive Los Angeles neighbourhood of Holmby Hills and was rushed to hospital by paramedics before being pronounced dead at 2:26 pm (2126 GMT) Thursday.

The pop megastar had a big fan base in Malaysia, especially among young adults, and he performed here in October 1996 to a sell-out crowd.

While Jackson ruled the charts and dazzled audiences with electric dance moves like the backwards "moonwalk" in the 1980s, his once-stellar career was overshadowed by his colorful public behavior, his startling physical transformation and multiple allegations of child abuse.

"Of course every artist experiences ups and downs (in their lives)," said Anida.

"Jackson's moonwalk dance was just great. He was and will be a great inspiration for all of us," she added.