SEREMBAN: S. Sumita’s joy at scoring 10As in the Form Three Assessment (PT3), which was announced on Monday, was deflated when news of her purported “death” went viral yesterday.
She said the fake news was more surprising to her and her family when it was widely circulated via WhatsApp, claiming she was killed in a neighbouring country.
The 15-year-old said there was a gruesome picture, purportedly her dead body, to lend credence to the story.
The SMK Rantau student said she was depressed after learning about the false news.
“It is irresponsible to spread something like that. Those behind it are very immature,” she said at her house in Taman Rantau here.
Sumita was accompanied by her mother, Meena Soosai, 46, and father, P. Shanmugam, 50, during the interview.
Sumita, the only student who aced 10As at her school, said she was clueless as to the motive behind the fake news, which also included a picture of her with her PT3 certificate.
“As far as I know, I do not have any problems with anyone. I am on good terms with everyone, including my teachers,” she said.
Sumita said her family had received endless calls from relatives, neighbours and friends, who were shocked by the news.
“Some of my neighbours came by my house to check on me. Obviously, they had read the news on WhatsApp.
“I hope that with this clarification, the public will stop spreading the false news. I look forward to resuming school,” she said.