AI-Generated Cable Car Ride Leads to Disappointment for Malaysian Couple

An elderly Malaysian couple embarked on a journey of over 370 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, driven by a video they had seen online. Their destination was Pengkalan Hulu in Perak, with the promise of a cable car ride. Upon arrival, however, they were met with disappointment, discovering the video was a fabrication created by artificial intelligence.

The couple's story gained traction after a hotel employee in Gerik, Perak, shared their experience on a social media platform. The employee, named Daya, recounted the couple's inquiry about the Kuak Hulu cable car, a ride they had seen featured in a news segment. The video, however, was entirely generated by AI.

The AI-created video presented a convincing illusion. It showcased a "Kuak Skyride," complete with a reporter, queues of people, and tourists enjoying the attraction. The video even included interviews with visitors and a luxurious meal, culminating in a visit to a deer petting zoo.

The hotel employee informed the couple of the video's artificial nature. The elderly woman expressed disbelief, citing the presence of a reporter in the video as evidence of its authenticity. She also mentioned not seeing any comments indicating the video was fake and expressed a desire to take legal action against the journalist, unaware that the journalist was also a product of AI.

The couple admitted they had not consulted their children before their trip, citing embarrassment as the reason. The hotel employee urged others to check with their parents before they travel.

The viral video prompted authorities to issue clarifications, confirming the non-existence of the cable car project. A district officer acknowledged the video's entertainment value while also expressing hope that such a project could become a reality in the future. The police cautioned the public against sharing unverified content and stated that action could be taken if such content caused public alarm or disrupted order.