KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating social media content allegedly manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) to alter footage of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad mourning the death of his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali.
The commission said it had contacted the relevant social media platforms regarding the content, which has been circulating online.
“If there were any violation of the law, appropriate action may be taken under existing legislation, including the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588),” it said in a statement today.
MCMC said the manipulation of authentic footage in a manner that could mislead the public, alter the context of an event or compromise the dignity of individuals and their families should be taken seriously, particularly during a period of bereavement.
It also called on the public to refrain from creating or sharing misleading manipulated content and to verify information before circulating it.
Members of the public who come across suspected manipulated material were advised to report it to the relevant social media platforms or authorities.
MCMC said AI offered significant benefits but stressed that the technology needed to be used responsibly.
“Technology should not be used to distort the truth or exploit someone’s grief at the expense of dignity and humanity,” it said.
The statement came after manipulated footage purportedly showing Dr Mahathir following the death of Siti Hasmah began circulating online.
Siti Hasmah died on Sept 28 at the age of 100.
In March, the government said AI and deepfake technology were increasingly being used to create false or manipulated content, including material involving the images and voices of public figures.
It said MCMC was working with social media platforms and enforcement agencies to tackle harmful online content. — October 2, 2026