The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has taken down 12 TikTok accounts and websites found to be promoting Bantuan Kasih Johor (BKJ) unlawfully.
Johor Police Chief Datuk Ab. Rahaman Arsad said the action followed a police report lodged by Johor’s Committee for Women, Family, and Community Development chairperson, Khairin-Nisa Ismail, last Friday.
He explained that four of the 12 accounts used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to fake Khairin-Nisa’s face and voice to deceive Johor residents. Investigations revealed that these accounts circulated false information claiming that all Johor residents were eligible for BKJ and requested personal details from the public.
“So far, all accounts and websites have been removed, and no reports of victims have been received,” he said at a press conference at the Johor Contingent Police Headquarters today.
Ab. Rahaman added that the accounts and websites were operated from a neighbouring country and are believed to be part of a phishing scheme aimed at collecting personal information such as full names, identification numbers, phone numbers, and bank account details for misuse.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for attempted fraud and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for misuse of network facilities.
He urged the public to be cautious when sharing personal information on social media platforms or websites that are unfamiliar and to always verify the legitimacy of such requests before providing any details.
