KUCHING, Oct 16 — Astana Negeri Sarawak has firmly denied the authenticity of two viral social media posts circulating on TikTok and Facebook that misused the official name, image, and emblem of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
In a statement shared via the official Facebook page Tun Pehin Sri Haji Wan Junaidi Bin Tuanku Jaafar, Astana said preliminary investigations revealed that a TikTok account under the name Datuk Abdul Zulaiman had uploaded manipulated images of Wan Junaidi’s wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
The doctored video, believed to have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI), falsely depicted Toh Puan Fauziah speaking and offering financial assistance, while encouraging viewers to contact a number listed in the post.
At the same time, a Facebook account under the name Matthew Rudy was also found to have misused the official Astana logo and published suspicious content featuring unidentified individuals for unclear purposes.
“Astana Negeri Sarawak stressed that any unauthorised use of its name, images, or official insignia constitutes a serious offence that could mislead the public and tarnish the institution’s image.
“The dissemination of fake content, manipulation of official materials, or impersonation of government-linked individuals is punishable under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and other applicable laws,” Astana said.
The public has been advised not to believe, engage with, or share any posts originating from the social media accounts mentioned.
Astana Negeri Sarawak also reminded all social media users to verify the authenticity of any information before sharing it, particularly when it involves the name or official symbols of the state government or its institutions. — The Borneo Post
