An insurance agent is calling on authorities to take immediate action after his image was used to create a fake social media account that shared defamatory content.
Yong Kah Kiong, 29, expressed his concern over the impact the fraudulent account could have on both his reputation and career. He revealed his fears during a press conference at the Pelawan Service Centre on Sunday evening (March 16), explaining the distress the situation has caused to him, his family, and friends.
“I am deeply worried about the damage this fake account could do not only to me but also to those close to me,” Yong said.
Yong took action by filing two police reports regarding the identity theft on March 11 and March 14, and also submitted a formal complaint to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
In response, he turned to the service centre to urge authorities to address the matter swiftly. Kapitan Ling Hua Wei, representing Sarawak Deputy Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Minister Datuk Michael Tiang, confirmed that a letter had been sent to the police regarding the incident.
Ling stressed that this is part of a growing issue involving digital platform abuse, where malicious individuals create fake accounts, steal personal images, and spread harmful content.
“This is not an isolated incident,” he noted. “It highlights the troubling rise in misuse of digital platforms, and we must take action against those responsible.”
Ling also called on the public to exercise caution online, verifying information before sharing it, to help prevent further harm. He encouraged others who have fallen victim to identity theft to report their cases to the relevant authorities or organizations.
“We must stand united to ensure these perpetrators are held accountable and that such incidents do not happen again,” Ling emphasized.
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