AI-Generated Images of Malaysian Minister Promote Unauthorized Cream
AI-Generated Images Used to Promote Unapproved Joint Cream in Malaysia
Recent social media posts have circulated images of Malaysia’s health minister, Dzulkefly Ahmad, and a former government official, which have been manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. These altered images are being used to promote an unauthorised joint cream that has not been registered with the country’s regulatory agency for pharmaceuticals. Both the health minister and the former official have confirmed to AFP that their images were doctored.
One post, published on a Facebook account named “Hj. Roslan Mohamad” on October 10, 2025, claims that the health minister recommended a product called Bee Venom Joint Cream to help alleviate knee pain. The post, written in Malay, reads: “Alhamdulillah! Thank you, Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad. My knee pain is almost gone.” It also states that the cream is used by athletes recovering from serious injuries and that the official’s knee pain is nearly gone.
The post includes several images, including two photos of the former official with Dzulkefly at different events, apparently holding the product. A link is provided that directs users to a website where the cream can be purchased for 55 ringgit ($13.02) per jar.
Similar posts featuring manipulated images of other former government officials and celebrities promoting the same joint cream have also been shared online. However, both the health minister and Roslan Mohamad have denied any involvement with the product and reported the incidents to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Further investigation revealed that there is no record of the “Bee Venom Joint Cream” in the database of Malaysia’s National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency, suggesting it has not been approved by health authorities.
A reverse image search conducted on Google found the original, unaltered photos of Roslan Mohamad on his actual Facebook page, posted on September 9, July 27, and June 25. These images were later used without consent in the social media posts.
Additionally, a keyword search on Google showed that the manipulated images were labeled as “Made with Google AI” in the “About this image” feature. This indicates that the images were generated using AI tools. The ability to detect AI-generated content relies on Google’s SynthID technology, introduced by its DeepMind AI lab in 2023.
Another indicator of the AI origin of these images is a star icon located at the bottom right of the circulating images, which points to the use of Google’s AI assistant Gemini.
This incident highlights the growing concern over the misuse of AI-generated content for deceptive purposes. Similar false claims have previously been debunked by AFP, where accounts impersonated Malaysian ministries and government departments to spread misinformation.
Key Takeaways
- The use of AI to manipulate images of public figures raises serious concerns about misinformation and fraud.
- The unauthorised joint cream, “Bee Venom Joint Cream,” has not been approved by Malaysian health authorities.
- Reverse image searches and AI detection tools like Google’s SynthID and Gemini can help identify manipulated content.
- Social media platforms continue to face challenges in preventing the spread of misleading information through AI-generated content.
As AI technology becomes more accessible, the responsibility falls on both individuals and institutions to verify the authenticity of digital content before sharing it.
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