AI-generated ‘Baling-Pengkalan Hulu cable car' dupes KL couple into 300km trip, officials explain viral news clip is fake
Sinar Harian quoted Baling District Officer Yazlan Sunardie Che Yahaya confirming that no such project exists and urged the public not to be misled by digital content, however convincing it may seem.
'Of course, it doesn't exist... but I admit, it was exciting to watch. We were entertained, even if it was just AI-generated content.
'Who knows, maybe one day it could become a reality. After all, Baling and Pengkalan Hulu do have mountains and scenic views that are suitable and beautiful,' he was quoted saying.
The video, which had gone viral on TikTok and Facebook, had reportedly prompted a couple to travel over 300km from Kuala Lumpur, believing the cable car was real and hoping to experience the ride.
Yazlan said the incident highlighted how AI-generated media could mislead users and create unnecessary confusion, and added that he would be the first to try such an attraction if it ever became real.
Acting Baling district police chief Deputy Superintendent Ahmad Salimi Md Ali also called on the public to verify online content before believing or sharing it.
'To date, we have not received any reports involving losses, fraud or public concern related to the viral AI-generated video.
'Checks conducted in both Baling and Pengkalan Hulu have confirmed that no such cable car project exists,' he reportedly said.
He noted that action could be taken under existing laws if such content caused public alarm or disrupted order.
The AI-generated video featured a fictitious news segment by 'TV Rakyat' showing scenes of a cable car called 'Kuak SkyRide' travelling over forests and mountains, with purported interviews with tourists.
A hotel worker in Gerik, Perak, recounted on social media how she had to break the news to the couple, who were shocked to learn the attraction was fake.
The woman reportedly asked why anyone would lie, citing the presence of a 'reporter' in the video, and even considered suing the fictitious journalist.
The couple admitted they were too embarrassed to ask their children about the video beforehand, while the hotel worker urged others to help elderly parents verify their travel plans.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Former Penang keeper dies after collapsing in match
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Penang goalkeeper Firos Mohamed died after collapsing during a match on Saturday. He was representing the Penang Legend All Stars against Kedah in the Dr Zambry Abd Kadir Cup in Manjung when tragedy struck. Firos suddenly lost consciousness on the pitch and was rushed to KPJ Manjung for emergency treatment but was pronounced dead at 10.15pm. A 34-second video of the shocking moment has gone viral on Facebook, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans, ex-players and the local football community. In a heartbreaking twist, Firos' child, watching from the sidelines, also fainted, believed to be traumatised after witnessing the incident. The viral footage shows Firos collapsing without contact, as players and officials urgently called for medical help. Tributes have flooded social media, with many describing Firos as a respected figure in Malaysian football.
Free Malaysia Today
9 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
2 men killed in shootout with cops in Jitra
The police forensic unit at the scene of the shootout in Jitra, Kedah, this morning. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Two men, suspected to be criminals, were killed in a shootout with police in Jitra, Kedah, today. The incident happened on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) entrance road at 8.05am. Kedah police chief Fisol Salleh said policemen patrolling the area approached a four-wheel drive vehicle, with its occupants looking suspicious, and ordered it to stop, Bernama reported. 'The two men opened fire on the police vehicle. In the shootout that ensued, both were killed. 'Police found two firearms – a revolver and semi-automatic pistol – several bullets, a parang, and other tools for carrying out criminal activities in the car,' he told reporters at the scene. He said a background check on one of the men, aged 41, revealed that he had a criminal record for more than 40 offences. The identity of the other suspect was still unknown as he did not have any identification papers on him. 'We believe the two were part of a larger group commiting violent crimes across the country, including drug trafficking, gangsterism, factory break-ins and armed robberies. This gang is believed to have been active since 2020. 'The police forensic unit found three bullet casings at the scene,' he said. The bodies were sent to Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Alor Setar for an autopsy. The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder. Bukit Aman criminal investigation department acting director Fadil Marsus, who was also present at the scene, said the two men were believed to belong to a criminal gang that had committed serious crimes. 'We are investigating whether they were linked to a criminal group in Klang, Selangor. The group is believed to have more than 30 members,' he said.
The Star
16 hours ago
- The Star
QuickCheck: Did a woman ride a bike against traffic while using a handphone on the NSE?
A TROUBLING incident on the North-South Expressway has sparked public outcry after a viral video showed a woman riding a motorcycle against the flow of traffic while using a mobile phone. Did such an incident occur as claimed? Verdict: TRUE Police are searching for a woman who rode a motorcycle against traffic while using a mobile phone at KM38 on the North-South Expressway southbound lane, near the Hutan Kampung toll in Alor Setar, Kedah. Kota Setar District Police Chief ACP Siti Nor Salawati Saad, said the incident was detected through a viral video on Facebook on Friday (July 4), reported Sinar Harian. "In the 23-second video, the motorcyclist is believed to be a woman based on the dark clothing worn. "She is seen riding against traffic towards Jitra while holding a mobile phone, ignoring other vehicles coming from the opposite direction," she said in a statement on Saturday (July 5). A police report was made at the Kota Setar police station at 7.34pm on Friday. "Police are currently conducting an initial investigation and seeking cooperation from PLUS to identify the motorcyclist. "Anyone who has information or recognise the individual in the video are urged to contact the Kota Setar Traffic Investigation Officer, Sergeant Mohd Khairulnizam Abdul Aziz, at 011-2835 0767 or the Kota Setar Traffic Police Station at 04-732 1222," she explained. She added that the case is being investigated under Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for not conforming to traffic directions and signs. Those convicted under the section can be fined a minimum of RM300 to a maximum of RM2,000 for those who opt to go to court.
