Malaysia bars civil servants from using Waze over data concerns
Anwar also urged Malaysians to switch to local navigation alternatives such as TuJu, citing security and personal data protection.
Malaysia has prohibited civil servants from using Waze after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim raised concerns that the Israeli regime could misuse government information and users’ personal data, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Implementation instructions were conveyed in a letter dated Oct 20, Bernama reported. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar instructed secretaries general and department heads to inform their officers, including those at related agencies and departments, that the prohibition applied immediately. The National Cyber Security Committee had decided on the measure at its meeting.
In its statement on Oct 21, the PMO said Anwar’s decision took account of Waze Mobile Ltd’s role as user-data controller and its incorporation and operations under Israeli law. Anwar said protecting sensitive government information and Malaysians’ personal data was necessary to safeguard national security and sovereignty.
Separately, Anwar called on Malaysians to stop using Waze in favour of local options such as TuJu. He cited what he described as the app’s security assurances and protection of personal data.
The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) developed TuJu with Prosignal Consortium Sdn Bhd. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi launched it on Nov 26, 2025.
