AI-generated image of durian farm in Malaysia raises stink over land dispute
Image fuels speculation about more illegal planters in Pahang’s forests, while analysts also warn of lack of safeguards against manipulated content
On Tuesday, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said it had questioned a man who uploaded an AI image of durian fruit growing on a tree surrounded by deep forest and a clearing with a caption suggesting it was taken at a yet-to-be-discovered “hidden spot”.
“The content is believed to have been generated using artificial intelligence, and as a result, various speculations and negative perceptions have arisen among the public regarding illegal planters in the Raub district, Pahang,” the MCMC said.
The image, posted in the Prompters Malaya Facebook group – a community dedicated to generative AI – was later shared outside the group without context, fuelling public belief that additional illegal farms were hidden in the area’s dense forests.