Malaysia minister discourages Singaporean visits deepfake

Malaysia Senior Minister and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaako claimed he had been victim of a deepfake which alleged that he did not welcome Singaporeans to Malaysia. 

A doctored video showed Sabri reputedly saying that Singaporeans should not enter Malaysia to fill up their cars with petrol, have dinner or go shopping.

The incident, which occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when Malaysia had closed its borders to Singaporeans and other nationals, was rebutted as false by the Malaysia government, and a report filed with the police and the national Communications and Multimedia Commission. It is unclear who was behind the video.

Fact check 🚩

• International Business Times (2020). Fact Check: Did Malaysia's Defense Minister Not Welcome Singaporeans?

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• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTQ2zMulX9M

• https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/06/600236/ismail-sabri-becomes-victim-fake-news-nsttv

• https://www.thestartv.com/v/ismail-sabri-lodges-police-mcmc-reports-over-fake-news

• https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-minister-says-news-that-sporeans-not-welcomed-is-fake

• https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/06/13/ismail-sabri-says-fake-news-no-laughing-matter-after-claims-he-doesnt-want/1875125

• https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/06/13/ismail-sabri-lodges-police-mcmc-reports-over-fake-news