(AFP) - One person was killed and thousands evacuated after torrential rain and strong winds hit three states in east Malaysia, reports said today.

The official Bernama news agency said the floods had also disrupted road and rail services to and within the states.

Mohamed Zain Mat Taha, eastern region manager of the train service, said services between Tumpat in Kelantan state and Kuala Lumpur had to be stopped as water covered the rail tracks.

The dead flood victim was identified as Tang Thie, an 83-year-old man from Kuantan in the capital of Pahang state. His body was found in floodwaters which had flowed into his house.

'Worst flood ever'

"This is the worst flood I have ever seen since I moved here 12 years ago," said 30-year-old G Selvakumar. His house in Kuantan was innundated by at least 1.5 metres of water, The Sunday Star newspaper reported.

It said 1,088 people in Pahang have been moved to higher ground while 300 volunteers from various agencies have been deployed to help in rescue work and to provide food for the victims.

Bernama said that in Kelantan's Gua Musang district 2,500 people had been evacuated to relief centers.

The Meteorological deparment had upgraded its warning of moderate rain with occasional heavy showers to the "red stage" because of the heavy rain. Heavy showers was expected to continue until Monday.

The department has placed Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and southern Johor state in the red alert category.