Malaysia faces the risk of becoming a transit hub for terrorism, as Islamic State-linked individuals from Bangladesh reportedly use social media to recruit migrant workers in the country.
In a recent turn of events, authorities from both Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, and Baling, Kedah, have confirmed that a viral video circulating on social media, claiming a cable car link between the two locations, is entirely fabricated and generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
Baling District Officer Yazlan Sunardie Che Yahaya explicitly stated that no such project exists, urging the public not to be misled by AI-generated digital content. Despite the video's deceptive nature, Officer Yazlan found the AI-generated video entertaining, acknowledging the scenic mountainous terrain in the region would make for an exciting attraction if ever developed.
The acting Baling OCPD Deputy Supt Ahmad Salini Md Ali confirmed no reports of losses or fraud related to the viral video. He warned that spreading misinformation could lead to legal action under existing laws.
Unfortunately, the video fooled some people into traveling long distances believing the cable car was real. However, it has since been removed from social media platforms.
The viral video, featuring a fictitious news segment by "TV Rakyat" showcasing a cable car called "Kuak SkyRide," prompted a couple to travel over 300km from Kuala Lumpur, believing the attraction was genuine. Upon learning the truth, the couple admitted they were too embarrassed to ask their children about the video beforehand.
A hotel worker in Gerik, Perak, shared on social media about breaking the news to a couple who were shocked to learn the attraction was fake. The woman in the couple reportedly questioned why anyone would lie, citing the presence of a "reporter" in the video, and even considered suing the fictitious journalist.
Checks in both Baling and Pengkalan Hulu have confirmed that no such cable car project exists. The public is urged not to be misled by digital content, even if it seems convincing. Baling District Officer Yazlan Sunardie Che Yahaya and Acting Baling district police chief Deputy Superintendent Ahmad Salimi Md Ali both emphasized the importance of verifying online content before believing or sharing it.
It's worth noting that Baling and Pengkalan Hulu have mountains and scenic views that could potentially support a cable car attraction. If such a project ever becomes real, Baling District Officer Yazlan Sunardie Che Yahaya would be the first to try it.
In light of this incident, the hotel worker urged others to help elderly parents verify their travel plans to avoid similar misunderstandings. AI-generated media can mislead users and create unnecessary confusion, so it's essential to stay vigilant and fact-check before making decisions based on online content.
- The deceptive AI-generated video about a cable car between Pengkalan Hulu and Baling, though entertaining, could potentially fall under the category of 'crime and justice' as it may lead to legal action for spreading misinformation.
- The viral video, which promised a cable car attraction called "Kuak SkyRide," was set in the district of Baling, Malaysia, a location known for its scenic views that could potentially support such a project if it were genuine.
- In Malaysia, it's crucial for citizens to verify online content before believing or sharing it, as a recent incident involving a fabricated video about a cable car shows that even convincing digital content may not always be accurate or true.
