New to AI? Start here: a 5-minute guide
By Dr. Wan · Updated · Baca dalam BM
For anyone who has never used AI. No technical knowledge needed: if you can send a WhatsApp message, you can do this.
What is an AI chat?
An AI chat is an app or website where you type a question in everyday words and it writes a reply in seconds, like texting a helper. It is not a person and it does not know you. It writes a likely answer from what you type, so it can make mistakes.
What you need
- A phone or computer with internet.
- One free AI chat (below).
- Five minutes.
Start free in 4 steps
- Open a free AI chat Pick one: Grok, ChatGPT, Google Gemini or Microsoft Copilot. Each has a free plan (see its page on SIM). Grok: age 13+; ages 13–17 need a parent’s or guardian’s permission.
- Type like you talk to a person Say what you need and add details: who it is for, numbers, dates. No special words needed.
- Ask for changes Not quite right? Reply “shorter”, “more polite” or “explain more simply”. It will rewrite.
- Check before you use it AI can sound sure and still be wrong. Read the answer and check important facts yourself.
Which free AI chat?
- Grok: AI assistant from xAI with real-time X data. Free plan; X Plus US$8/mo, Premium US$30/mo Grok: age 13+; ages 13–17 need a parent’s or guardian’s permission (pricing, terms).
- ChatGPT: General AI assistant for writing, analysis and Q&A. Free plan; paid Go, Plus and Pro plans for individuals (price shown at checkout)
- Google Gemini: Google's AI assistant, integrated with Gmail and Docs. Free plan; Google AI Plus US$4.99/mo, Pro US$19.99/mo (US prices)
- Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft's AI assistant for Office and the web. Free Copilot app; Microsoft 365 Personal with Copilot US$9.99/mo
Plans as listed on each tool’s SIM page (checked up to 2026-10-15). Plans change, so check the tool’s own site.
Copy-paste examples
Tap Copy, paste into the AI chat, then fill in the blanks (____).
- WhatsApp to your landlord
Write a short, polite WhatsApp message to my landlord. The kitchen sink has been leaking since Monday. Ask if a plumber can come this week. Keep it friendly.
- Explain a letter or bill
Explain the letter below in simple words: what it is about, what I need to do, and by when. [Paste the letter here, but first remove your IC number, account numbers and address.]
- Plan a weekly budget
Help me plan a simple weekly budget. My take-home pay is RM____ a month. Fixed costs: rent RM____, transport RM____, phone RM____. Show how much I can spend on food each week, in a simple table.
- Help with homework
My child is in Year 5 and doesn't understand adding fractions. Explain how to add 1/2 and 1/3 step by step, with one everyday example. Help me teach it, don't just give the answer.
- Apply for a job
Write a short, polite message applying for a part-time ____ job. I have ____ years of experience in ____. Keep it under 120 words.
- Make a text easier to read
Rewrite the text below in simple Bahasa Melayu, in short sentences, keeping the same meaning: [paste the text here]
See all 300 copy-paste prompts ›
How to ask better
- Say who it is for.
- Give the details: names of things, numbers, dates.
- Ask for the shape you want: a short message, a list, or a table.
- End with “Ask me if anything is unclear.”
Words you may see
- AI chat (chatbot)
- An app or website you type to, and it types back.
- Prompt
- The message or question you type to the AI.
- Free plan
- The no-cost version of a tool. Paid plans add more, but you don't need one to start.
- Deepfake
- A fake video, photo or voice made with AI to look or sound like a real person.
Stay safe
- Keep private details private. Never type your IC number, bank or card details, passwords or OTP codes into an AI chat. Remove names and numbers from letters before you paste them.
- AI can be wrong. Double-check anything important, such as money, rules, dates and deadlines, with the official source or a qualified person.
- Beware of deepfake scams. Scammers can fake a familiar voice or face in a call or video. If someone asks for money urgently, hang up and call them back on the number you already know.