THE public has been urged to remain vigilant against a new wave of scams in which artificial intelligence (AI) is used to replicate the faces and voices of Malaysia’s top leaders to dupe unsuspecting individuals.
MCA Public Service and Complaints Bureau chief Datuk Seri Michael Chong revealed today that his bureau had identified two online advertisements featuring AI-generated likenesses of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim.
He added that although the advertisements were reported and removed, the syndicate re-uploaded similar content, this time using the faces of a Member of Parliament and a prominent business figure.
"We have highlighted this issue previously, and the modus operandi has been exposed and reported in mainstream media, yet the syndicate continues to employ the same tactics," he said.
Using AI, the syndicate created investment adverts requiring a payment of RM1,100 while promising returns of up to RM200,000.
"They use the voices of leaders such as the Prime Minister and our King to supposedly encourage the public to invest, telling people not to miss this golden opportunity," he said during a press conference at Wisma MCA today.
Chong revealed that MCA had even posed as investors to engage with the syndicate, attempting to expose the fraud.
"It is no surprise when the money invested disappears entirely with no returns, and the syndicate then pressures people to pay an additional RM1,000 to become ‘members’ eligible for the promised monthly returns.
“That has always been their modus operandi. We invest, they demand more money, giving numerous excuses. If you invest again, they will likely ask for even more," he said.
He noted that while authorities can remove the advertisements, new ones appear soon after, highlighting the limits of regulatory action.
"What has been communicated to us is that not much can be done. Ads can be taken down, but the syndicate quickly reposts them," he said.
Chong urged the public to stay alert and to warn each other about such scams, stressing that awareness remains the most effective defence.
"The public is advised not to be easily deceived, especially by investments promising unrealistic profits. Think carefully — it is impossible for a small investment to generate enormous returns. Even luck will not work in such a way," he cautioned. - November 10, 2025
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