KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — The Johor Health Department has confirmed that the cause of death of a 12-year-old student in Kluang on May 1 was septic shock secondary to meningoencephalitis.

In a statement last night, Johor Health director Dr Mohtar Pungut@Ahmad said a May 2 newspaper report claiming that the boy had died of heatstroke-induced complications was false.

"Firstly, the Johor Health Department would like to express its condolences to the family of the deceased.

"An investigation conducted at Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital in Kluang found that the child was admitted to a ward due to seizures after coming down with a fever the day before and a cough for three days.

"The cause of death was confirmed as septic shock secondary to meningoencephalitis, and It had nothing to do with heatstroke as reported in the media,” he said.

Mohtar also said the state Health Department requested the cooperation of all parties not to engage in speculation as this might cause confusion among the public.