JOHOR BARU: Police are investigating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to imitate the face and voice of a state executive councilor in a TikTok video promoting the non-existent Bantuan Kasi Johor (BKJ) scheme.
State police chief Kom Datuk Abu Rahman Al Saad said police received a report that images and voices of former members of Johor were being misused on social media platforms.
“Chairman of the state’s Women, Family and Community Development Commission, Kailin Nisa Ismail, filed a police report on Friday (February 20) after discovering multiple TikTok accounts impersonating her using AI technology without her consent.
“The account was found to be disseminating information related to BKJ with the aim of stealing personal information from the general public,” he said at a press conference at Johor Police Headquarters here on Tuesday, February 24.
Kom Abu Rahman added that an initial investigation revealed that the account is not an official account of Rep. Sellom and is believed to be spreading false information.
He also said that further investigation has so far uncovered 12 other TikTok accounts that were also illegally promoting BKJ with the purpose of deceiving the public.
“These accounts are being investigated to identify their actual owners and determine whether they are involved in fraudulent activity or the spread of false information,” he said.
News Agency Abu Rahman said police did not rule out the possibility that the existence of multiple accounts was part of a planned scheme.
He added that this tactic could include using AI technology to impersonate celebrities to gain public trust.
Kom Abu Rahman said the case was being investigated under Article 420 of the Criminal Code and Article 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“So far, no victims have been identified and no financial losses have been reported,” he said, adding that police were working closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to trace the account holders.
He added that police are also taking steps to immediately delete the account and related content.
Kom Abu Rahman advised the public to remain vigilant and verify information before believing or sharing it.
“All official information should be referred to through the official channels of the Johor state government,” he said.
He stressed that Johor Police takes seriously the misuse of AI technology to mislead the public.
“We will take firm action against any party found to be involved,” he said.
The Com Abu Rahman news agency said members of the public with information related to the case are urged to come forward to assist the investigation.
“Be smart and always be vigilant. Scams are preventable, but awareness is key,” he added.
