A 16-year-old boy was arrested in Kulai, Johor on April 8, 2025, at 5 PM for allegedly creating and selling fake nude images of women using artificial intelligence. The images were sold online for RM2 (60 Singapore cents) each.
Johor police chief M Kumar stated that the arrest followed an investigation prompted by multiple police reports. The suspect, reportedly a student at Foon Yew High School, allegedly took photos of victims from social media platforms and used AI tools to edit their faces onto nude bodies.
An 18-year-old woman filed a police report on April 3, 2025, after discovering explicit images with her face circulating online. Police seized a mobile phone believed to have been used to edit and distribute the content.
The teenager is currently in a four-day remand until April 12, 2025, to assist with investigations.
Eight police reports involving the same suspect have been filed so far. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, who is also the Kulai MP, said the actual number of victims could reach 40, including current students as young as 14 years old and alumni of Foon Yew High School.
“A majority of them are the school’s alumni. However, there are also current students as young as 14 years old,” Teo said in a statement on April 9, 2025.
Some victims may still be unaware that their images have been manipulated and distributed. Multiple groups using the name “Foon Yew” have appeared on social media platforms sharing these AI-generated images.
Foon Yew High School confirmed on April 8, 2025, that they had received reports about anonymous individuals spreading fake images of both students and alumni.
The case is being investigated under Section 292 of the Penal Code for the sale, distribution or possession of obscene material and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities.
Teo has directed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to work with police to speed up the investigation.
Police have asked other victims to come forward and file reports at their nearest police station. They also warned the public not to share photos of the victims on social media.
Kumar said those with information on the case could contact Inspector Nurul Huda Shohodin at +60-013-5382698.
“I want to say this to all the victims – this is not your fault. What happened to you could have happened to anyone,” Teo stated, adding that victims who haven’t filed police reports can contact her office for assistance, including legal advice and emotional support.
