GEORGE TOWN: Rumours of a Botanical studies student dying after handling a poisonous tree are not true, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) said today.
USM Media and Public Relations Centre director Mohamad Abdullah said the rumours had spread on social media networks with many queries on the matter directed to the varsity.
“We have been bombarded with many queries on this. We would like to urge those posting this up to prove their claims so we can conduct an official investigation.
“USM would like to plead to all to stop spreading the false news on the matter immediately,” he said in a statement today.
According to the post, a 31-year-old woman had fallen ill after studying a plant while pursuing her Masters in Botanical Studies in USM.
The poster claimed that the unidentified woman died of leukemia after falling ill.