Dungun: Nor Baizura Shafie, who tragically drowned during a beach outing at Pantai Sura Tengah, had always looked forward to picnicking with her family every time she returned home for holidays.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, her sister, Nur Mashitah, shared that Nor Baizura, 39, who resided in Kampung Melayu Majidee, Johor Bahru, had come back to Kampung Balai Besar on December 26. She was particularly excited about the family trip to the beach early this morning at 7:30 am.

Nur Mashitah recounted that around 15 family members, including her three young nieces aged between seven and 10, had ventured into the sea as the waves appeared calm. However, the situation took a turn when Nor Baizura was seen struggling in the water. "I only realised my sister was drowning when I saw her hands waving as she was being swept away by the waves," Nur Mashitah explained. She immediately called out to her brother, Mohd Fazir, for help. Despite his efforts to rescue her, both siblings were overwhelmed by the waves and currents.

Rescuers later discovered Nor Baizura's body approximately 200 meters from where she initially encountered trouble. Unfortunately, her brother, Mohd Fazir, 37, was still missing as of late evening. The family, deeply affected by the tragedy, awaits the completion of the autopsy at Dungun Hospital before proceeding with Nor Baizura's funeral arrangements.