AI-Generated Video Misled Malaysian Couple Into 300km Trip to Nonexistent Cable Car
An AI-generated video showing a fictitious cable car attraction in Malaysia reportedly misled an elderly couple into traveling over 300 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur. Government officials confirmed the cable car does not exist and noted the incident highlighted how convincing AI-generated media could mislead users.
What happened
On June 30, an elderly Malaysian couple travelled over 300 km from Kuala Lumpur to Perak state to visit a cable car attraction called 'Kuak SkyRide' after seeing a video online. The video, which went viral on TikTok and Facebook, featured a fictitious news segment by 'TV Rakyat' showing a glamorous female host riding the cable car, interviewing tourists, and dining at a restaurant with mountain views.
A hotel staff member in Gerik, Perak informed the couple that the cable car did not exist and that the video was AI-generated. The video has since been taken down.
Reported impact
The elderly woman was reportedly angry after learning the attraction was fake and considered suing the fictitious journalist featured in the video. Another person reported their parents also believed the video and spent 9,000 ringgit (US$2,120) to rent a van.
The incident sparked online discussion about the consequences of AI-generated content, with commenters expressing concern that even young people could be misled and calling for government regulations.
Index analysis
Baling District Officer Yazlan Sunardie Che Yahaya confirmed that no cable car project exists linking Pengkalan Hulu in Perak to Baling in Kedah. Acting Baling district police chief Deputy Superintendent Ahmad Salimi Md Ali stated that checks in both locations confirmed no such project and no reports of fraud or losses had been received to date.
The officer noted the video demonstrated how convincing AI-generated media could mislead users and create unnecessary confusion. Malaysia has no specific legislation regulating artificial intelligence or machine learning, though the country launched a national artificial intelligence office in December 2024.
Governance controls
Acting police chief Ahmad Salimi Md Ali called on the public to verify online content before believing or sharing it. He noted that action could be taken under existing laws if such content caused public alarm or disrupted order.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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