When used responsibly, artificial intelligence (AI) can be a valuable tool that makes our lives easier. However, creative professions are increasingly under threat from the rise of generative AI. This technology has often been misused to produce so-called “art”, with individuals passing it off as their own. Artists, musicians and actors alike have criticised the use of AI in creative projects, including animation, illustration, music and film.
Recently, Malaysians voiced outrage after a local media group unveiled their first AI band, Project Thric3, describing it as an insult to real talent; artists who have studied and honed their craft, only to see opportunities handed to AI. Now, it seems another company is facing backlash for similar reasons.
Yesterday (Monday, 8th September), it was reported that TV3, one of Malaysia’s oldest and most prominent television stations under Media Prima, has launched a new animated series titled “Misteri di Sebalik Order” (The Mystery Behind the Order), created entirely with generative AI. The series follows the life of Cap, a capybara who works as a food delivery rider and falls in love with a mysterious rabbit-like creature named Meknab.
The first episode premiered on 6th September on @aiseyymentv3_’s TikTok channel and, as expected, was met with heavy backlash from netizens. Many criticised TV3 for approving the so-called animation, accusing the station of being “lazy” for not hiring real human talent. Others dismissed the series as “slop”, highlighting numerous animation errors in the opening episode. Some viewers were not entirely surprised, noting that the station had already replaced their iconic Azan broadcast with AI-generated visuals.
Others also pointed out that Media Prima had previously introduced their first AI radio announcer on Fly FM, a move that drew heavy criticism from netizens, particularly from those who had auditioned for the role but were never given the opportunity to put their skills to the test. At the time of writing, neither TV3 nor Media Prima responded to the backlash. What are your thoughts on the project? Is Malaysia’s creative industry doomed to be replaced by AI?
Here’s the first episode of “Misteri di Sebalik Order”:
@aiseyymentv3_ Wah Cap dah jumpa cinta hati? Tapi sesuatu yang manis pasti ada cerita pahitnya.. Agak2 korang, kenapa Mek Nab seram semacam je eh? 👀 Setiap hari Sabtu | 8.00 malam | Tiktok Aiseyymentv3_ #MisteriDisebalikOrder #Aiseyymentv3 #AbangChipp
