A Malaysian couple’s holiday turned into disappointment after they drove for over three hours from Kuala Lumpur to Perak—only to discover that the stunning cable car resort they were hoping to visit doesn’t exist at all. The attraction, it turns out, was part of a convincing AI-generated video that fooled the unsuspecting pair into believing it was a real destination.
The incident came to light on June 30, when a hotel employee in Kuak Hulu, Perak, shared the unusual encounter on social media. Using the handle @dyaaaaaaa._, she recounted how an elderly couple checked into the hotel and eagerly asked about the “Kuak Skyride,” a scenic cable car ride featured in a video they had seen online.
Believing the couple was joking, the hotel staff initially dismissed their question—only to realise they had been misled by a realistic AI-generated video showing a fictional TV journalist exploring the supposed tourist hotspot. The digital host, dressed as a news reporter for a channel named “TV Rakyat,” was seen enjoying the cable car ride through lush forests, interviewing “tourists,” and dining at a mountaintop restaurant—all of it entirely fabricated.
Despite being told the entire video was a deepfake, the couple remained convinced it was real. The woman reportedly became angry upon learning the truth and even threatened to take legal action against the AI-generated “journalist.” “Why would someone do this to people?” she asked, visibly upset.
Adding to the viral moment, another netizen claimed their own parents were also duped by the same video, reportedly spending RM9,000 (about US$2,120) on a van rental to visit the imaginary site.
The now-deleted video triggered widespread concern online, with users calling for urgent regulation of AI-generated content in Malaysia. Many pointed out how easy it is for realistic deepfake videos to mislead even the tech-savvy, let alone older individuals.
“It’s heartbreaking—they drove so far only to find out they were tricked,” one user commented. “If I hadn’t read the comments, I’d have believed it too,” said another.
As Malaysia currently lacks specific laws governing artificial intelligence and synthetic media, many are now urging authorities to introduce legislation to prevent similar incidents and protect vulnerable communities from digital deception.
The public is urged to stay vigilant and not trust videos too easily, especially as AI-generated content becomes increasingly convincing.
