AI makes Datukships easier to fake

Malaysian officials and experts have raised concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence to fabricate datukship credentials, a traditional honorific title. Datuk Seri Michael Chong, head of the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department and an executive council member of the Majlis Datuk Persekutuan Malaysia (MDPM), noted that AI tools are increasingly used to create fake datukship-related photographs. While earlier AI-generated images had flaws like distorted features, advancements now produce more realistic visuals, making verification more challenging. Chong emphasized that fake images alone cannot bypass official checks, as organizations like MDPM and the Council of Datuk-Datuk Malaysia can request supporting documents. He added that scammers often retreat when confronted, leading to police reports being filed. ‘Even if someone can fake a watikah (appointment letter), the truth comes out when documents are verified,’ Chong stated. Assoc Prof Dr Sabariah Mohamed Salleh, head of the media communications program at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, highlighted that AI has lowered the barrier for creating fake credentials, which was previously limited to skilled editors. She cited cases involving AI-generated images of prominent figures like Prof Dr Muhaya Mohamad and Zizan Razak. Salleh urged the public to verify claims through official records rather than relying on visuals alone, recommending platforms like Semak Mule to check for scams linked to bank accounts or phone numbers. Prof Dr Selvakumar Manickam, director of the Cybersecurity Research Centre at Universiti Sains Malaysia, warned that AI tools now allow anyone to generate convincing fake images, certificates, and online profiles within minutes. He stressed that ‘seeing is believing’ is no longer a reliable assumption, urging people to treat images as claims requiring verification rather than proof. Authorities and experts agree that while AI-generated content is harder to detect, official verification processes remain effective in exposing scams. The public is advised to cross-check credentials through official channels to avoid falling victim to fraud.