{
  "id": 18216011,
  "title": "More Malaysians are turning to AI before they search",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/more-malaysians-are-turning-to-ai-before-they-search",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-11-05T00:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/11/05/more-malaysians-are-turning-to-ai-before-they-search"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In recent years, Malaysians are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) before conducting online searches, according to a new survey. A September study by AI consultancy Entermind found that 43% of AI users in Malaysia first consulted an AI assistant when researching important decisions, compared to 31% who began with a Google search. The survey of 1,300 adult AI users revealed that 41% had made a purchase or financial decision primarily based on AI information or recommendations. The influence of AI grew with the frequency of use - 52% of daily users said they acted on AI advice, compared to 26% of weekly or less frequent users. AI was particularly helpful for understanding healthcare options, comparing retail choices, and discovering travel possibilities. However, users still preferred a future where AI assisted them while maintaining control, with only 6% wanting the technology to handle most tasks on their behalf. The ease and intuitiveness of AI tools are reshaping consumer expectations, with 78% wanting company platforms to make decision-making as simple as AI tools. This shift in behavior is creating a growing gap between the fluid experience of AI assistants and the more cumbersome digital channels many companies offer.",
  "summary": "A recent survey suggests artificial intelligence is becoming a first stop for important decisions, from shopping and travel to financial choices.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}