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On a hillside near Jalan Kuala Kangsar in Ipoh, a sign with the city’s name has been standing for about 17 years. It looks a little bit like the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles serving as a prominent landmark for locals and travelers alike.
Over the last day or two, however, an image of the hill caught the attention of local netizens because it showed Chinese characters installed alongside the famous letters.
Sign With Chinese Characters Is AI-Generated
In response to the circulating image, Ipoh Mayor Datuk Zamakhshari Hanipah issued an official statement yesterday on behalf of the Ipoh City Council (MBI) to clarify the situation.
The Mayor explained that the original “IPOH” sign had actually been safely removed on July 15 to undergo a thorough structural inspection, repairs, and refurbishment to ensure it remains well-maintained and safe for the public.
The reinstallation of the landmark is scheduled to take place in stages in early August.
Regarding the image circulating on social media, MBI confirmed that any photo displaying extra words or characters next to the sign is false, digitally altered, and likely created using AI technology or image editing tools.
The council strongly condemned the creation and dissemination of this manipulated content, noting that it acts as defamation, creates unnecessary anxiety and confusion among the public, and damages the reputation and social harmony of Ipoh.
City Council Advises Public To Avoid Misinformation
MBI is actively investigating the matter and warned that it will not hesitate to take legal action or lodge official reports against those involved in generating or spreading fake content.
Finally, the council urged the public to act responsibly by verifying information through official MBI channels before sharing it online, emphasizing the core principle: “If unsure, don’t share.”
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