Latest news with #Perak
Phone Arena
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Phone Arena
AI travel videos are getting so real, people are falling for fake attractions
A Malaysian couple recently found themselves at the center of an AI hoax that turned a simple weekend trip into a costly and frustrating experience. After watching what appeared to be a professionally produced travel video, the elderly couple drove over 230 miles from Kuala Lumpur to a small town in Perak, only to discover that the entire attraction was fabricated by artificial intelligence. The video that fooled them featured a realistic news segment from a fictional broadcaster called "TV Rakyat." In the clip, a lifelike AI-generated reporter showcased the "Kuak Skyride," a scenic cable car ride said to exist in the town of Kuak Hulu. The footage showed lush mountain views, interviews with so-called tourists, and even a luxurious dining experience overlooking the landscape. The segment ended with a visit to a deer petting zoo. The entire video appeared authentic, complete with voiceovers and convincing visuals likely created using Google's Veo 3 model. According to local media including the Metro and the South China Morning Post , the couple checked into a hotel in Perak's Pengkalan Hulu area on June 30 and asked about the cable car ride. A hotel employee recounted the moment she realized the attraction didn't exist: Receive the latest Google news By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy — @dyaaaaaaa._, a hotel employee, via Threads The woman was reportedly upset and said she planned to sue the journalist featured in the video. But the hotel employee had to break the news: the reporter was also AI-generated. 'Why would anyone want to lie?' the woman replied. 'There was even a reporter (in the video).' This wasn't an isolated incident. Another social media user reported their parents spent RM 9,000 (around $2,120 USD) to rent a van for the same trip, believing the video to be real. Reports suggest the video went viral across Malaysian social platforms before eventually being taken down due to public backlash. The situation raises important questions about the growing realism of AI-generated video content. If ordinary travelers can be misled by videos that seem indistinguishable from real-life footage, what does that mean for digital media going forward? Cases like this show that while generative video tools can be powerful for creativity, they also introduce risks around misinformation, especially when viewers are unaware of how convincing synthetic content can be. Personally, I think that as these tools become more accessible, we may need better labeling, regulations, or education to help viewers distinguish real from fake. The woman was reportedly upset and said she planned to sue the journalist featured in the video. But the hotel employee had to break the news: the reporter was also AI-generated. 'Why would anyone want to lie?' the woman replied. 'There was even a reporter (in the video).'This wasn't an isolated incident. Another social media user reported their parents spent RM 9,000 (around $2,120 USD) to rent a van for the same trip, believing the video to be real. Reports suggest the video went viral across Malaysian social platforms before eventually being taken down due to public situation raises important questions about the growing realism of AI-generated video content. If ordinary travelers can be misled by videos that seem indistinguishable from real-life footage, what does that mean for digital media going forward?Cases like this show that while generative video tools can be powerful for creativity, they also introduce risks around misinformation, especially when viewers are unaware of how convincing synthetic content can be. Personally, I think that as these tools become more accessible, we may need better labeling, regulations, or education to help viewers distinguish real from fake.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
No more tough guys in local football?
KUALA LUMPUR: Have Malaysia's new generation of footballers become softies? So much so, we have to import "heritage players" from abroad for the national team? Football legend Indra Putra Mahayuddin thinks so. He feels that they don't make footballers like they used to. Indra, Malaysia's all-time top scorer in the Super League with 106 goals, said the footballers of today are pampered, compared to the tough ways he came through. Indra asked how is it possible that he, at 44 years old, still plays in the A1 Semi-Pro League and could still keep up with his team's training sessions. That proves one thing — the training intensity of today is not as tough compared to his early years as a professional. "I see a big difference between players from the past and players now. Back then, we went through training that was intense and crazy. "But now, even at my age, I can still follow the training sessions. That says a lot about how training today isn't as hard. Players these days are pampered. "When they're criticised, many can't handle it. But criticism is there to help you grow, not to bring you down. That's what many of us from the older generation went through and benefited from," he said. Indra earned over 50 caps for the national team from 2002-2015 and netted 17 international goals. A product of the Perak youth system, he burst onto the scene with Perak before going on to represent Kelantan, Selangor, Pahang, Felda United and KL City. Known for his intelligence, composure in front of goal and versatility on the left flank or as a forward, Indra was one of the few Malaysian players to perform at a high level across two decades. He said Harimau Malaya today is in a far better place than it was during his time, thanks to reforms and talent additions. "We should thank the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, for introducing big changes. The inclusion of heritage players has helped take the national team forward," he said.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
The secret behind Ipoh's famous ‘taugeh'? Limestone water — and a meticulous ‘towkay'
IPOH, July 14 — For those all too familiar with the delightful crunch of sweet Ipoh bean sprouts, this nutritious, little vegetable called taugeh certainly holds a special place in the hearts of Malaysians. There is no question about it, that Ipoh bean sprouts are indeed more famous compared to bean sprouts grown in other places or states because of the crunchy texture, slightly sweet taste, and plump shape that resembles a strangely, elongated punctuation mark ... or is there? Behind this uniqueness, there definitely must be a secret to why bean sprouts from Buntong have found their way into markets not only in Perak but also in neighbouring states like Selangor, where the ubiquitous taugeh is synonymous as a signature dish with chicken rice in restaurants. So here's the crunch: An Ipoh bean sprout producer, a towkay (or 'boss' in Chinese) who only wants to be known as Sam, divulged that the secret of delicious Ipoh bean sprouts lies in the source of water used in the production process. 'Here, the production uses underground mineral water that springs from the limestone hills around the factory here, this area (Buntong) which is located around the Kinta Valley exploits this natural advantage to be produce 'special' bean sprouts not found anywhere else,' Sam, who is in his 40s, told Bernama. With their crisp texture and natural sweetness, Ipoh bean sprouts have certainly earned a special place in the hearts of their fans. — Bernama pic The father of two said that Buntong, an area in the Kinta Valley rich in limestone landscape and formations, is a strategic location for several bean sprout entrepreneurs who pump mineral water directly from underground to run their bean sprout business. He said the limestone water is said to be high in mineral content from the underground layered aquifers, contributing to the production of bean sprouts that are plump, fluffier, sweeter, of better quality, less pungent in smell, and rich in calcium. Sam explained that to produce quality bean sprouts, he uses black matpe beans (also known as Black Gram) imported from Myanmar, measuring 3.25 millimetres. 'The process begins with soaking the beans for a certain period, followed by a filtering process to separate and remove the damaged beans. Only the best beans are selected, placed in large tubs, where they are soaked with water at the right temperature and lighting,' he said. This nutritious vegetable stands out from other varieties thanks to its crunchier texture, slightly sweet taste and plump appearance. — Bernama pic He said that the beans need to be watered every four hours daily, hence factory operations are carried out in shifts by workers to ensure that the watering schedule is followed precisely. This is crucial because the bean sprout production process is very sensitive to time, temperature and water quality. Sam further shared that after six days, the perfect bean sprouts are ready to be packed and delivered to wholesalers across Ipoh and several other districts in Perak. 'It seems simple, but this process (producing bean sprouts) is difficult and demands high precision. If you don't control the time and temperature, the bean sprouts can be damaged or of poor quality. In a day, on average, three to four sacks of black beans have to be thrown away because they are not suitable for processing into bean sprouts,' he said. A type of soybean sprout product produced in Buntong in Perak. — Bernama pic Sam said he has been running the family-run business inherited from his grandfather and father for nearly 10 years. The business, which is over 40 years old, can produce up to one tonne (1,000 kilogrammes/kg) of bean sprouts daily. The bean sprouts come in two types: short and long, where short bean sprouts are sold at around RM3 per kg, while long bean sprouts are priced lower and can stay crunchy for three days if stored in the refrigerator. Meanwhile, a chicken rice trader Amirah Hanis Mohammad Asri, 37, said she chooses Ipoh bean sprouts due to high demand from customers. 'I sell Chinese-style (called Nga Choy Kai Fun or Ayam Taugeh) chicken rice served together with taugeh bean sprouts as a side dish doused with soy sauce and oil. Most customers crave the short and plumper Ipoh bean sprouts, as they are tastier and crunchier. I buy fresh stock every day to keep customers satisfied and smiling,' she added. — Bernama
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Agriculture Ministry unveils new paddy varieties MR CL3 and MR CL4 to tackle weedy rice issue
PASIR SALAK, July 14 — The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) through the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) today introduced two new padi varieties to address the weedy rice issue in the country. Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the development of the new MR CL3 and MR CL4 varieties was the result of a strategic collaboration between Mardi and BASF (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd over the past 20 years. 'MR CL3 and MR CL4 mature earlier, at 99 days, and have a yield potential of over seven tonnes per hectare,' he said during the launch of the new Clearfield padi varieties at the Felcra Berhad Seed Centre here. Also present were KPKM secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, Perak Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun, MARDI Governing Board chairman Dr Azman Ismail and Mardi director-general Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani. Mohamad said both varieties are also resistant to leaf and neck blast diseases and can be utilised under current KPKM initiatives such as the five padi planting seasons in two years programme and the Large-Scale Smart Padi Field (Smart SBB) programme. As for the commercialisation of the new varieties, he said it would be carried out through the Clearfield Production System, which includes padi varieties, imidazolinone herbicide (Trek) and stewardship guidelines, to tackle the weedy rice issue. He added that the MR CL3 and MR CL4 varieties were specifically bred to be resistant to imidazolinone herbicides. Weedy rice, also known as 'padi angin' in Malaysia, is a problematic weed that can significantly reduce crop yields. Earlier, Mohamad also officiated the new Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) Complex in Seberang Perak. — Bernama
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Works minister defends JKR against criticism over deadly UPSI bus crash, calls for focus on service delivery
KUALA NERUS, July 14 — Public Works Department (JKR) personnel have been reminded not to succumb to negative perceptions or criticism, especially on social media, but instead to remain committed to upholding integrity and professionalism in delivering the best services to the people. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the ministry and JKR often face ongoing criticism. He said such criticism tends to arise during incidents involving public infrastructure and the loss of lives, such as the recent fatal accident that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students along the East-West Highway (JRTB) in Gerik, Perak last month. 'We mourn as well, but we are often blamed even when the causes vary depending on the situation... like in the bus accident in Gerik last month, some claimed that the bus overturned and the guardrail pierced through the body of the bus, causing the fatalities. '... but in reality, the bus was speeding and overturned, landing on the guardrail. This is the actual fact that the public may not know or has been twisted to make it seem as though the guardrail itself was highly dangerous. While there may indeed be some danger in the current design, alternative designs have not yet been implemented. So we will review other design options later,' he said. He said this after officiating the 2025 Senior Officers Conference (SOC) for JKR Malaysia here today. Also present were Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, JKR Director-General Datuk Roslan Ismail, and Terengganu JKR director Ir Dr Hasli Ibrahim. Nanta added that despite swift response and mitigation measures taken by JKR, certain issues and complaints, especially involving roads, continue to be sensationalised or used as 'ammunition' by netizens. Therefore, he called on all JKR personnel to rise above the criticism and continue to prove their worth to the public by delivering services with full dedication and transparency in order to dispel all accusations. Some 400 senior JKR officers from across the country, including top management, district engineers, and cadre officers, are attending the three-day SOC 2025 conference beginning today. Themed 'JKR Mampan: Memacu Kelestarian Madani', the annual conference serves as a platform for critical thinking and unity among senior JKR officers aimed at improving service delivery in a sustainable and holistic manner. — Bernama
