KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 (Bernama) -- Berita Harian (BH) entertainment desk assistant editor Raja Nurfatimah Mawar Mohamed, who died at her home in Sungai Long, Kajang, at about 2 pm today, had earlier complained of fatigue to her close friend, Tengku Datuk Khalidah Tengku Bidin.
Tengku Khalidah, who is also the Malaysian Entertainment Journalists’ and Writers’ Association (WHAM) president, said her friend, who also served as the association’s treasurer, had mentioned the matter during a phone call yesterday.
She said many in the Malaysian arts scene and among local celebrities were shocked by the news of the 49-year-old’s passing, as she had not shown any prior signs of illness.
“We received news of her passing at about 3 pm today. She was said to have complained of body aches and breathing difficulties to her helper earlier in the day.
“The helper who comes every day to clean the house happened to be with her at the time. As far as I know, she was in good health,” she said when contacted by Bernama here today.
Tengku Khalidah said she last met her late friend two days ago at the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) Supreme Council Dinner in Wangsa Maju here.
Describing her personality, Tengku Khalidah said Raja Nurfatimah Mawar was always cheerful, kind-hearted and well liked by many.
“She was not only well liked by fellow journalists but also dearly loved by celebrities. Although she was Assistant Editor of the Entertainment Desk at Berita Harian, she often went to the ground due to her close ties with local artistes,” she said.
Tengku Khalidah added that both of them had planned to perform the haj together next year and she was devastated that it would no longer be possible.
A recipient of the Best Columnist Award at the Malaysian Film Industry Excellence Awards (AKIFMA) 2017, Raja Nurfatimah Mawar was also known for her love of animals and had 37 cats at home.
A post-mortem is being conducted at Kajang Hospital, and her body is expected to be taken to the Kampung Masjid Haji Kadir Cemetery in Pasir Panjang, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, for burial tomorrow.
--BERNAMA
