Johor’s Menteri Besar warns of AI-powered scams impersonating state leaders to steal personal data, urging public vigilance and promising firm action.
JOHOR BAHRU: Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (pix) has issued a stern warning against widespread scam activities targeting the Bantuan Kasih Johor (BKJ) aid initiative.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and to only trust official state government channels for information regarding the scheme.
Onn Hafiz advised people to always verify information and avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing personal details with unauthorised parties.
He said he viewed seriously a police disclosure about 12 TikTok accounts suspected of using AI to mimic the faces and voices of state executive councillors.
“This is an irresponsible act of organised crime,” he stated in a Facebook post today.
He accused the syndicates of tarnishing the state leadership and exploiting public trust by using government logos to steal personal data.
The data targeted includes phone numbers, identification card details and bank account information.
Onn Hafiz asserted that the state government will not compromise with any party attempting to toy with the people’s welfare.
He expressed appreciation to the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission for collaborating to track down the masterminds.
“We will continue to protect the welfare and safety of ‘Bangsa Johor’ from cybercrime threats,” he added.
He promised firm action would be taken to bring those involved to justice.
Johor Police Chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad confirmed a report was received from state exco member Khairin-Nisa Ismail@Md On last Friday.
Preliminary investigations found the accounts are operating from abroad and are believed to be used for identity theft.
However, he noted that no police reports have been lodged by victims who lost money to the scam as of now.
The case is being investigated under Section 420/511 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.