The Kedah Fire and Rescue Department has come under online scrutiny after an AI-generated promotional poster posted on Facebook depicted one of its firefighters holding what appeared to be an assault rifle, rather than conventional firefighting equipment.
The poster, which has since been removed, was intended to showcase the department’s workforce of 937 personnel and highlight its coverage across Kedah. While the background showed thick smoke and active rescue operations, the foreground featured a firefighter holding a firearm — an unrealistic weapon with a short buttstock and oversized scope — drawing immediate attention online.
Before its removal, the image was shared on Reddit Malaysia on March 2, where it quickly went viral. Netizens lampooned the unusual depiction, with one joking, “Fight fire with fire.” Another oddity noticed in the poster was a firefighter holding the Jaws of Life rescue tool in a gun-like manner, though commenters noted it was at least authentic equipment.
The incident has sparked wider debate over the uncritical use of AI-generated imagery within Malaysian government agencies. Some users suggested that younger staff rely on AI tools for convenience, while senior staff commissioning the content may fail to review it thoroughly before publication.
This is not the first time the Kedah Fire and Rescue Department has drawn attention over AI-generated materials. A February 21 poster similarly went viral after it showed a fire hose’s water jet defying the laws of physics.
The department has yet to release an official statement addressing either incident.
