An altered graphic misusing a local newspaper's logo and a photo of Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim has circulated alongside false claims he announced a subsidy to single and stay-at-home mothers, as well as unmarried people. The finance ministry told AFP the posts were a "phishing scam", while the Malay-language daily Sinar Harian also said it had not reported on any such subsidy.
"Anwar Ibrahim has approved assistance amounting to RM1,500 ($357) for single mothers, stay-at-home mothers, and unmarried people only," reads the Malay-language text of a TikTok post shared on September 17, 2025.
It accompanies a screenshot of a purported news graphic by Malay-language daily Sinar Harian featuring a photo of Anwar standing at a podium.
"Applications can be submitted from 17 September to 21 September 2025," it says.
Similar graphics imitating Sinar Harian's social media posts and featuring various photos of Anwar spread elsewhere on TikTok.
Fraudulent posts claiming the government is handing out cash aid to needy citizens regularly circulate on social media in Malaysia.
AFP has previously debunked accounts impersonating government schemes and online scammers targeting Malaysian citizens who seek financial aid and application for immigration documents by using AI clips.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance told AFP on September 30 the circulating claim was a "phishing scam".
"There is no dedicated assistance provided for single mothers that offers RM1,500," she said.
Trump falsely claims 274 FBI agents were placed in the January 6 crowd. DOJ report found no evidence FBI agents orchestrated the Capitol riot. 1,400 arrests made and 1,000 convictions tied to the...