Malaysia Airlines says fake ads online are 'disrespectful' to national airline

Malaysia Airlines (MAB) has warned the public about fake ads and clarified that the company has no relation to them. In a statement which was reposted on Minister of Transport Anthony Loke's Facebook, the airline said there have been multiple false ads related to MAB that have been spread by "unscrupulous parties with the intention of fraud and theft".MAB also described the superimposed images to be "disrespectful" to MAB and are done "in bad taste". The picture accompanying the Facebook post had the words "Palsu" and "Fake" stamped on it in red."We would like to clarify that Malaysia Airlines has nothing to do with these fake ads, and that our campaigns are only displayed on our official platforms, mainstream advertising channels and website," the statement read. The airline also urged the public to exercise caution when coming across controversial ads or messages, especially if they originate from social media or messaging groups.In a statement to A+M, MAB's spokesperson said most of its advertising communications are published on social media, namely Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn, as well as out-of-home platforms. The ads will bear the current official logo of MAB and will only feature aircraft that are currently in operation with the latest livery."All names and logos under the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), which includes Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, MASwings and MABkargo are a registered trademark belonging exclusively to MAG. Any unauthorised trademark infringement on the registered logo and name, will not be tolerated and civil action will be instituted against those who unlawfully use the logos and names for their own personal benefit," the spokesperson added.(Read also: Malaysia Airlines puts out a stern warning about use of logo)It also said that the fake advertisements have been spread by "unscrupulous parties with the intention of fraud and theft" and that its campaigns are only displayed on its official platforms, mainstream advertising channels and website.MAB is not the only brand to have been a target of fake ads. Last year, AirAsia and AirAsia X warned the public against hoax advertisements by uncertified travel agents on their social media platforms. Its group CEO Tony Fernandes also got embroiled in false advertising in 2016, resulting in the airline issuing a statement to stress that Fernandes did not endorse advertisements on get-rich-quick schemes.Meanwhile earlier this month, PROTON also warned consumers about a fake invitation card regarding the official launch of the PROTON X70 that is circulating on social media. The automotive company clarified that it has never issued such an invitation e-card and urged consumers and social media followers to discard it.