Latest news with #ALORSTAR
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Caterer tricked by AI deepfake of UiTM deputy rector
ALOR STAR: A young caterer avoided major losses after falling victim to an elaborate scam involving an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated video call impersonating a university official. The fraudster, posing as Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Penang deputy rector Dr Ahmad Asri Abd Samat, contacted 20-year-old Muhammad Danial Azim Mohd Yusof through text and a hyper-realistic AI video call to place a fictitious catering order last Tuesday. Danial said the scam began after he submitted a quotation for 100 meal packages worth RM4,500 for the university's programme at its Merbok branch. The impersonator then made an additional request to include door gifts and insisted that these be procured from a 'preferred vendor'. "I told him I already had a vendor, but he said the university only worked with their appointed supplier and that I needed to follow protocol," Danial told the New Straits Times after lodging a report at the Kota Setar police headquarters yesterday. He was then given the contact number of the so-called vendor, who demanded an upfront payment of RM14,400 and refused to accept a formal letter of order (LO), claiming they only dealt with private arrangements. "I told 'Dr Asri' about the vendor's demand. He said if there were no door gifts, there would be no programme. Later, the vendor offered to accept a 50 per cent payment of RM7,200 instead," he said. Growing suspicious, Danial refused to pay. However, having already prepared the food, he delivered it to UiTM Merbok on Saturday, only to learn he had been scammed. "The university's security guard looked at my LO and told me I'm the third person that day asking for Dr Asri — and the only one who actually brought food." Danial later found out that other vendors across Penang and Kedah had also been targeted in similar scams. The impersonation was so convincing that when the real Dr Ahmad Asri contacted Danial to clarify the matter, the resemblance stunned him. "He said, 'I'm the real one. Want to compare faces?' When I video called him, I was shocked — the AI scammer version looked exactly like him," he added. Danial said UiTM Merbok confirmed no such order had ever been made. The real Dr Asri has also lodged a police report after learning that his identity had been used in several impersonation scams. Meanwhile, Kota Setar police chief Assistant Commissioner Siti Nor Salawati Saad confirmed that a report had been received. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' jail, whipping, and a fine.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Caterer duped by AI video call impersonating UiTM deputy rector
ALOR STAR: A young caterer avoided major losses after falling victim to an elaborate scam involving an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated video call impersonating a university official. The fraudster, posing as Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Penang deputy rector Dr Ahmad Asri Abd Samat, contacted 20-year-old Muhammad Danial Azim Mohd Yusof through text and a hyper-realistic AI video call to place a fictitious catering order last Tuesday. Danial said the scam began after he submitted a quotation for 100 meal packages worth RM4,500 for the university's programme at its Merbok branch. The impersonator then made an additional request to include door gifts and insisted that these be procured from a 'preferred vendor'. "I told him I already had a vendor, but he said the university only worked with their appointed supplier and that I needed to follow protocol," Danial told the New Straits Times after lodging a report at the Kota Setar police headquarters yesterday. He was then given the contact number of the so-called vendor, who demanded an upfront payment of RM14,400 and refused to accept a formal letter of order (LO), claiming they only dealt with private arrangements. "I told 'Dr Asri' about the vendor's demand. He said if there were no door gifts, there would be no programme. Later, the vendor offered to accept a 50 per cent payment of RM7,200 instead," he said. Growing suspicious, Danial refused to pay. However, having already prepared the food, he delivered it to UiTM Merbok on Saturday, only to learn he had been scammed. "The university's security guard looked at my LO and told me I'm the third person that day asking for Dr Asri — and the only one who actually brought food." Danial later found out that other vendors across Penang and Kedah had also been targeted in similar scams. The impersonation was so convincing that when the real Dr Ahmad Asri contacted Danial to clarify the matter, the resemblance stunned him. "He said, 'I'm the real one. Want to compare faces?' When I video called him, I was shocked — the AI scammer version looked exactly like him," he added. Danial said UiTM Merbok confirmed no such order had ever been made. The real Dr Asri has also lodged a police report after learning that his identity had been used in several impersonation scams. Meanwhile, Kota Setar police chief Assistant Commissioner Siti Nor Salawati Saad confirmed that a report had been received. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' jail, whipping, and a fine.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Firemen rescue two children trapped in Alor Star house fire
ALOR STAR: Two children were rescued from the upper floor of a burning double-storey house in Taman Sri Kota here today, thanks to the swift response of firemen. The children, aged four and five, were believed to have been alone upstairs when the fire broke out. They were rescued by firemen from the Jalan Raja Fire and Rescue Station. Station chief Assistant Fire Superintendent Wan Azizul Hakim Wan Jaafar said a distress call was received at 10.16am. "Firemen arrived at the scene five minutes later to find the house already ablaze, with thick smoke and flames engulfing the upper floor," he said in a statement. He said a rescue operation was launched immediately upon arrival, leading to the successful rescue of the two children. "There were three children in the house. Their eldest sibling managed to escape and alerted others that his two younger siblings were still trapped upstairs. Our personnel acted swiftly and brought them to safety," he said. The fire also destroyed a Proton Wira and eight motorcycles. About 70 per cent of the house was damaged. The blaze was brought under control by 10.37am and fully extinguished by 12.16pm.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Greed driving illegal e-waste recycling activities, says DoE
ALOR STAR: Greed is the main driving force behind the surge in illegal electronic waste recycling activities across the country, according to the Department of Environment (DoE). Kedah DoE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said syndicates are willing to risk arrest due to the substantial profits generated from such unlawful operations. "We believe these syndicates are making significant profits from illegal e-waste recycling, fully aware that their actions are against the law. "This explains why illegal recycling activities persist, despite intensive crackdowns since last year," she told reporters after opening the Environmental Management and Compliance Seminar here today. Sharifah Zakiah said many of these illicit operations are carried out in remote areas, including oil palm plantations, to avoid detection. In some instances, she added, licensed recycling facilities are being used as fronts for these illegal activities. "This is why the public plays a crucial role in reporting any suspicious activities. In fact, several of our recent raids were prompted by public tip-offs after residents noticed the foul stench of burning e-waste," she said. Sharifah Zakiah issued a warning to those involved, highlighting the stiffer penalties under the amended Environmental Quality Act 1974, which came into force in July last year. The amendment raises the maximum fine to RM10 million, along with mandatory imprisonment of up to five years. In addition to targeting illegal e-waste recycling, Sharifah Zakiah said the Kedah DoE was intensifying efforts to tackle the unlawful disposal of scheduled industrial waste. She reminded industry players that they are subject to audits concerning their management of scheduled waste. "We will be inspecting companies that have failed to update their scheduled waste records, including those related to e-waste, based on lists provided by our headquarters," she said. Sharifah Zakiah also urged potential investors to engage with the DoE and Kedah Invest when selecting business sites to ensure suitability and full compliance with environmental regulations. The seminar saw the participation of 430 people and exhibitors and was jointly organised by the Kedah DoE and the Kedah Environment Club. "We invited experts and companies involved in industrial waste management from across the country to share their knowledge with industry players in Kedah.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
SPM student left bedridden by brain tumour, says heartbroken mother
ALOR STAR: Mia Orked Lestary Mohd Yusaidil Fitra is supposed to be attending school to prepare for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations later this year. However, the eldest child of four and a bright student who was actively playing netball and enjoyed mountain climbing, is now left bedridden due to a brain tumour. "I've cried my heart out seeing the condition of my daughter in a coma. She used to be healthy and cheerful," said her mother, Suhaily Karno, 42, in tears. Mia began experiencing hearing problems, unstable walking, and frequent shivering since last October, she said. After several visits to the Tualang Health Clinic, the doctor referred her to the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) due to recurring symptoms. "After taking samples and undergoing an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan, my daughter was confirmed to have brain tumours on both the left and right sides of her brain," she said in an interview at their home in Kampung Banggol Chengal, Telaga Mas. Suhaily said her daughter's condition deteriorated, and she underwent eight surgeries between October and the latest one on May 14. She said six of the procedures involved inserting tubes to remove excess fluid from her head, while the other two involved spinal surgery and the removal of pus from her abdomen. "She was supposed to sit for her SPM, but now she can't move, and only shows signs of discomfort by moving her legs or fingers. "When we call her name, only her pupils move. Since her eyes remain open constantly, I have to use tape to help her sleep," she said. She added that she is currently unemployed to provide full care for Mia, while her husband, Mohd Yusaidil Fitra Mat Isa, 43, does odd jobs. The couple have three other children, aged between six and 14. "My daughter needs to see specialists at HSB between five to six times a week. We have to use an ambulance to transport her to the hospital because it is difficult to lift her into a car," she said. She added that Mia is fully dependent on a special formula milk, with one small can costing RM50, lasting only a day, administered via a feeding tube. "I have no choice but to use whatever money we have to buy the milk, even though it's expensive. It's the only nutrition recommended by the doctor for her energy. She also requires disposable diapers," she said. Suhaily said Mia is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove the tumour on the right side of her brain on Aug 17. Meanwhile, Cancer Survivors Malaysia (CSM), chairman Zuraini Kamal, who visited the family, donated an air mattress, a phlegm suction machine, cash, and groceries to ease their burden.
