Kota Tinggi police chief Yusof Othman said they received a report at 5.30pm about a family of five who had been swept away by the current while swimming in the area.

The family comprised the woman, a 10-year-old boy, and three girls aged 10 to 13. A 60-year-old male relative had tried to save them but returned to shore due to the strong waves, Yusof said in a statement.

The family was later brought ashore by rescue teams and members of the public. However, the woman and one of her daughters were confirmed dead.

Bandar Penawar fire and rescue station commander Ezam Mistorerrudin identified the deceased victims as Siti Fatimah Jaafar, 33, and Nur Arisya Hanan Salleh, 13.

He added that the survivors – Nur Qaisara Farhana Farid, 13; Danial Abu, 10; and Nur Alisya Shafiya Jamil, 10 – were taken to hospital for treatment.