Recently, Foonyew High School in Johor Bahru has become the center of a disturbing scandal involving AI-generated deepfake pornographic content of female students (Reference: Malaysiakini). The situation first exploded on Xiaohongshu, where concerned individuals began sharing their anger and shock after discovering how widespread these cases are (Search “宽中ai照事件” on Xiaohongshu for firsthand discussions).
And I agree — we must keep talking about this. Not just because it's horrifying. But if we don’t, we’re letting predators know they can get away with it.
It is distressing to see so many urging the victims to remain quiet, arguing that “silence is the best protection.” Such words, often echoing from certain male voices, not only place the burden of shame on the victims but also protect those who gain from the chaos. When some insist that keeping silent is an honorable option, we must ask: who benefits from this silence? Why would anyone encourage a victim to hide her story if it means the wrongdoers remain untouched and empowered?
The truth is, those who argue for silence often have a personal stake in maintaining the status quo. Their comfort stems from a culture that subtly encourages selective empathy—where the pain of the victim is minimized and the perpetrator’s reputation remains unscathed. This must change.
Victims Have NO Reason to Be Ashamed
Let’s be clear:
- The person who used AI to make fake nudes and sexual videos is at fault.
- The person who spread those videos is at fault.
- The person who viewed, saved, or bought them is at fault.
The victim is not.
Telling a victim to keep quiet doesn’t just show ignorance. It reveals vested interest — some people want these things to remain hidden because they benefit from the system that protects abusers.
This Is Not a Small Matter — This Is a Warning Sign
“They’re just kids.”
“They’re still in secondary school.”
“They didn’t mean harm.”
But let’s be honest — if someone in Form 4 or Form 5 already knows how to manipulate technology to digitally strip another human being and laugh about it, you really think they’ll stop there when they grow up?
If they’re not held accountable now, they’ll simply learn that they can get away with it. And next time, it won’t be just deepfakes. It might be hidden cameras. Upskirt photos. Real sexual assault.
If we let them go today, we’re not just excusing teenagers — we are cultivating future rapists, grooming them with impunity, and telling them that society has their back no matter what they do.
We Cannot Be Silent. We Cannot Let Them Walk Away.
If we want to build a safer society for girls, we need to draw the line now. Speak out. Support the victims. Demand accountability from schools, authorities, and even your own communities.
Because today, it might be a girl you don’t know.
Tomorrow, it could be your friend.
Your sister.
Your daughter.
Let’s not be the generation that let predators grow in silence.
Luckily, this time, some of the victims had the courage to speak out. And because of that, the case has gone viral. Now, it’s on us to make sure it doesn’t die down.
Felicia Yoan is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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