GEORGE TOWN, Malaysia - Michael Jackson impersonator Sundareson Regis, 40, felt like he had lost a family member when he heard about the superstar's death yesterday.

Describing the news as a horrible blow, Sundareson said his friends began calling him since 8am to inform him that his "dear friend" had died.

"I loved this guy from the bottom of my heart ever since I was a boy. I was so sad that I could not get into the mood for work.

"I started taking part in MJ impersonation competitions in 1987 and won numerous prizes before I retired in 2001," Regis said.

The car salesman said he had watched the King of Pop's concert in Kuala Lumpur a few years ago and was planning to see him again during his tour in London.

Mohd Zulkifly Ismail, 28, described Jackson's death "as worse than his worst nightmare" for it was his dream to meet his idol one day.

"I'm shattered as I've been saving for years with the hope of meeting the King of Pop, but now he's gone," he lamented yesterday.

Mohd Zulkifly, whose favourite Jackson video is Billy Jean, said he used to impersonate the singer at weddings and staff parties.