Summary
- Anwar encourages Malaysians to switch from Waze to TuJu.
- Government raises concerns over Waze’s Israeli links and movement data.
- Civil servants reportedly barred from using Waze with immediate effect.
KUALA LUMPUR, October 21 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has encouraged Malaysians to use the locally developed TuJu navigation app instead of Waze, citing concerns over data security and Israeli laws.
Speaking following a National Cyber Security Committee meeting, Anwar stressed the importance of protecting citizens’ personal information and movement data.
A government circular dated Oct 20 also reportedly prohibits civil servants from using Waze with immediate effect.
Developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority, TuJu provides navigation, traffic updates, toll information and highway CCTV access.
The government is also strengthening cybersecurity measures involving MyDigital ID, artificial intelligence and critical national infrastructure.
Waze, acquired by Google in 2013, collects location and navigation data, although no specific evidence of misuse has been publicly disclosed.
Anwar said protecting personal data remains essential to maintaining public trust and Malaysia’s digital sovereignty.
