Malaysia has prohibited civil servants from using the Waze navigation application, with the directive taking effect immediately following a decision by the National Cyber Security Committee.
The decision was communicated in an official letter dated October 20 by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, who confirmed that the matter was discussed at the committee’s third meeting of 2026, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Shamsul Azri instructed ministry secretaries-general and heads of departments to ensure the directive reaches all officers under their respective supervision. The instruction also extends to relevant agencies and departments, which are required to implement the decision without delay.
The letter further identified the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), under the National Security Council in the Prime Minister’s Department, as the designated body for addressing questions or requests for clarification concerning the directive.
“Any queries or requests for further clarification regarding this directive may be submitted to the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), National Security Council, Prime Minister’s Department, as the coordinating agency for this matter,” the letter read.
The chief secretary also called on all affected institutions to give the directive their full attention and ensure compliance across ministries, departments and agencies.
The circular was distributed to ministry secretaries-general, heads of federal departments, management heads of federal statutory bodies, state government secretaries and management heads of local authorities.
Anwar Recommends Local Navigation Alternative
The restriction comes as Anwar urged Malaysians to consider TuJu, a locally developed navigation application, as an alternative to Waze.
The prime minister cited concerns over the security of users’ personal information and movement data, noting that Waze operates under Israeli government laws.
TuJu was developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) in partnership with Prosignal Consortium Sdn Bhd. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi officially launched the application on November 26, 2025.
Available for download through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, TuJu offers motorists a range of navigation and travel-related services.
Its features include route guidance, distance calculations, estimated arrival times, toll information and live traffic updates. Users can also access information about rest and service areas (R&R), view live closed-circuit television (CCTV) feeds and obtain emergency assistance.
The application is being promoted as a domestic option for motorists seeking navigation services amid growing attention to the security of location-related data.
