Cybertroopers earn up to RM10,000 manipulating online narratives

KUALA LUMPUR: Cybertroopers in the country are earning up to RM10,000 a month to manipulate social media algorithms, spark online controversies, and carry out coordinated character attacks on digital platforms, reports said.

In a report published by Kosmo! Ahad, these paid virtual campaigns are described as highly structured, featuring defined organisational hierarchies ranging from central coordinators down to state-level chiefs and grassroots operatives.

A man known only as Nazri, 45, was quoted as saying that while ordinary operators receive a flat monthly rate of about RM2,000, state-level leaders can earn between RM5,000 and RM10,000.

“For grassroots members, a RM2,000 salary is paid directly into their bank accounts every month,” he said.

“State chiefs receive higher payouts of between RM5,000 and RM10,000.

“The more aggressive and skilled you are in manipulating public sentiment, the higher your value within the group.

“Some are paid specifically to attack certain issues until they go viral,” he added.

Nazri claimed that their primary tasks include monitoring current affairs, publishing content tailored to specific agendas, and attacking political opponents on social media based on instructions.

All directives, he said, are disseminated via designated WhatsApp or Telegram groups.

Recalling his experience in political campaigns, Nazri claimed that certain political parties would brief coordinators, after which strategy discussions would take place in closed group chats.

These discussions would cover which issues to monitor, what to post, and sometimes even provide pre-written templates or scripts.

“Common comments deployed include ‘the people are fed up’, ‘everyone can see through this scam’, or ‘this person is just a drama queen’,” he said.

He noted that such comments are intentionally engineered to appear as spontaneous reactions from ordinary users, despite being part of a coordinated effort to sway public perception.

“Sometimes, we are instructed to repeat almost identical sentences across different accounts to make it look like a widely accepted consensus.

“When netizens see a barrage of negative comments, they are more likely to believe the narrative,” Nazri said, adding that operations intensify during election seasons but continue year-round as a steady source of income.

He claimed that those involved in political cyber campaigns usually have ties to politicians, including party members, supporters, media practitioners, and individuals

from various professional backgrounds.

To execute operations without exposing their identities, he claimed that cybertroopers are provided with fully set-up fake accounts complete with unique IDs, passwords, and a base of followers.

Beyond politics, demand for cybertroopers has expanded into digital marketing, influencer promotion, and the manufacturing of gossip to keep public figures relevant.

General social media engagement tasks can net individuals between RM50 and RM200.

These tasks include leaving positive or negative comments, or artificially boosting live streams and posts on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

Amir, 27, said a single live-stream session lasting one to two hours could easily earn him RM100 to RM200.

“We have a WhatsApp group of about 30 members, and tasks are handed down by controllers.

“Payments are project-based. Some tasks require a commitment of several hours, while others last for an entire campaign,” Amir said.

He said during live broadcasts, they are required to remain active throughout the session by asking questions, showering praise, and generating a lively atmosphere.

“If it is a product sales campaign, we must act like real consumers. We leave comments like ‘purchased’ or ‘I have used this and it really cleared up my acne’, or ask questions about the product,” he said.

Amir added that special assignments are also given to “heat up” comment sections with criticisms to make content go viral.

Liyana, 24, observed that the cybertrooper industry is increasingly popular among youths, particularly students who are already active on social media.

“We just need to understand how netizens talk and know what is currently trending. If a comment looks too formal, people will easily get suspicious,” she said.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times