Malaysia bars civil servants from using Waze, urges switch to local TuJu app

Malaysia has prohibited civil servants from using the Waze navigation app, escalating a government push to steer users toward the homegrown TuJu platform amid concerns over data security and links to Israeli law. The decision, announced on Oct. 21, 2026, takes effect immediately and affects federal civil servants across ministries, departments and agencies.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the move was intended to protect government information and users’ personal data from what his office described as potential misuse by the Israeli regime. He also urged Malaysians more broadly to stop using Waze and consider TuJu, a domestic navigation app presented by officials as a local alternative for road guidance.

The ban followed a meeting of Malaysia’s National Cyber Security Committee, which Anwar chaired on Oct. 20, according to government statements and official news coverage. The directive was issued in a letter from Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, who told ministry and department heads to communicate the decision and ensure immediate compliance.

TuJu promoted as a local alternative

TuJu was developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority in collaboration with Prosignal Consortium Sdn Bhd and was launched on Nov. 26, 2025, by Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi, according to Malaysian official reports. The app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and includes route information, estimated travel time, toll details, real-time traffic updates, rest-area information, live CCTV access and emergency assistance.

Government statements said the recommendation to use TuJu came after concerns that Waze could expose movement data and other information to risks under Israeli law. Officials said Waze Mobile Ltd. controls user data and is incorporated and operates under Israeli law, language that appeared in multiple official accounts of the decision.

The announcement prompted questions about how the restriction will be implemented across the public sector and whether other Malaysians will be expected to follow the same guidance. For now, the order applies to civil servants, while the government has framed TuJu as part of a broader effort to promote local digital tools and reduce reliance on foreign platforms.