Malaysian Elderly Couple Travels 370km for AI-Generated Cable Car Ride

An elderly Malaysian couple traveled over 370km from Kuala Lumpur to Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, after being misled by a viral AI-generated video promoting a fictional cable car attraction called the 'Kuak SkyRide.' The video, made to resemble a news report by a fake channel 'TV Rakyat,' showed scenes of tourists, ticket queues, and a reporter interviewing visitors, which convinced the couple of its authenticity. Upon arrival, a local hotel worker informed them that the attraction did not exist and that the video was entirely AI-generated, a revelation that left the couple embarrassed and wanting to sue the fictitious reporter. Authorities confirmed no such project exists and urged the public to verify online content before believing or sharing it, especially given how realistic AI-generated media can be. The incident highlights the dangers of misinformation and the importance of checking travel plans, particularly for elderly individuals who might be more vulnerable to deceptive digital content. The hotel worker and officials encouraged families to communicate with older relatives about their travel intentions to prevent similar situations.