In a striking example of the dangers of misinformation in the digital age, an elderly couple from Kuala Lumpur traveled over 300 kilometers to Perak, Malaysia, hoping to experience a cable car attraction featured in a viral social media video. Their journey ended in disappointment when they discovered that the “Kuak SkyRide” did not exist—it was entirely fabricated using artificial intelligence (AI). The incident, which gained nationwide attention after being shared online, has sparked renewed calls for public vigilance against deceptive online content.
A Long Journey for a Non-Existent Attraction
The couple, eager to ride the cable car they had seen in a nearly three-minute AI-generated video, arrived at a hotel in Gerik, Perak, only to learn the harsh truth. The video, which depicted a journalist from a fictitious outlet called “TV Rakyat” introducing the attraction and interviewing visitors, had convinced them of its authenticity. Scenes of people lining up at a ticket counter and the cable car gliding over lush landscapes near Baling Mountain in neighboring Kedah state added to the illusion of reality.
A hotel worker, who broke the news to the couple, recounted the encounter in a Threads post on June 30, 2025. “They asked if I’ve ridden the cable car at Kuak Hulu,” she wrote, initially thinking they were joking. Kuak Hulu is a small village in Gerik, Perak. But the elderly woman’s insistence revealed their genuine belief in the video’s content, even citing the presence of a reporter as proof of its legitimacy. “Why would anyone want to lie? There was even a reporter,” the woman reportedly said, as quoted by the hotel worker in her post. 
The worker explained that the video was AI-generated and not real, a revelation that left the couple stunned. The elderly woman expressed frustration, mentioning she hadn’t seen any comments indicating the video was fake and even suggested suing the non-existent “TV Rakyat” journalist. Despite further clarification that the journalist was also a fabrication, the couple admitted they hadn’t consulted their children before embarking on the trip, feeling too embarrassed to ask for help.
The Deceptive Power of AI-Generated Content
The AI-generated video at the heart of this incident is a vivid illustration of how advanced technology can create convincing but entirely false narratives. Featuring polished visuals of a cable car ride passing over trees, a stream, and a group of deer, the video appeared authentic at first glance. It even included interviews with supposed tourists, some allegedly from Thailand, adding to its credibility. However, subtle flaws—such as an old lady morphing into a misshapen blob while performing a handstand before returning to normal—hinted at its artificial nature.
This incident is not an isolated one. AI-generated content, ranging from deepfake videos to fabricated audio, has increasingly become a tool for misinformation worldwide. In South East Asia, where social media penetration is high and digital literacy varies widely, such content can spread rapidly, often outpacing efforts to debunk it. The elderly couple’s story underscores a growing challenge: ensuring that vulnerable populations, including older adults less familiar with digital tools, are equipped to discern fact from fiction online.
Official Response and Public Warnings
As the couple’s story went viral, it drew attention from local authorities in Malaysia. Acting Baling police chief Ahmad Salimi Md Ali addressed the issue in a statement to the New Straits Times on July 3, 2025. “We have not received any official complaints, but preliminary checks confirm the video is entirely fabricated,” he said. He emphasized that no such cable car project exists in the district and urged the public to exercise caution with viral content. “In this era of AI-generated media, misleading materials can spread easily and cause confusion,” he added.
The police chief’s warning echoes broader concerns about the proliferation of unverified content on social media platforms. While the couple’s disappointment may seem like a minor incident, it highlights the potential for more serious consequences when fabricated content influences decisions or perceptions on a larger scale. From fake news affecting elections to scams exploiting trust in seemingly legitimate media, the risks of AI-driven misinformation are becoming a pressing issue for governments and tech companies alike.
A Call for Greater Awareness
In her Threads post, the hotel worker made a heartfelt plea to the public, asking people to check on the travel plans of their elderly relatives. Her concern reflects a broader need for family and community support in navigating the complexities of the digital landscape. For many older individuals in Malaysia and across South East Asia, social media platforms like Facebook and Threads are primary sources of information, yet the skills to critically evaluate content are often lacking.
Efforts to combat misinformation in the region are underway, with initiatives ranging from public education campaigns to stricter regulations on digital content. In Malaysia, authorities have repeatedly called for users to verify the authenticity of viral videos before acting on them. However, as AI technology becomes more sophisticated, distinguishing real from fake content will require not just individual vigilance but also systemic solutions, including better platform accountability and improved detection tools.
The elderly couple’s fruitless journey from Kuala Lumpur to Perak serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of digital deception. While their story may fade from the headlines, the questions it raises about trust, technology, and responsibility in the age of AI remain unanswered. As viral content continues to shape perceptions and decisions, the need for awareness and skepticism has never been more urgent.
