Malaysia has directed civil servants to stop using the Waze navigation app with immediate effect, following a decision by the National Cyber Security Committee (JKSN). The move reflects growing concerns about the security of users’ personal information and movement data, while encouraging the use of locally developed navigation alternatives.
In a letter dated October 20, 2026, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar informed government officials about the decision made during the JKSN Meeting No. 3 of 2026, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The directive requires all ministry secretaries-general, federal department heads and relevant government officials to ensure that the decision is communicated and implemented immediately. The instruction also extends to related agencies and departments, leaving little room for confusion about the government’s expectations.
Shamsul Azri emphasised the importance of full compliance across ministries, departments and agencies. Officials who require additional information or clarification have been advised to contact the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), under the National Security Council within the Prime Minister’s Department, which is coordinating the matter.
The letter was distributed to a wide range of public-sector leaders, including heads of federal statutory bodies, state government secretaries and management heads of local authorities. This broad circulation highlights the importance the government has placed on implementing the decision consistently across the public service.
The announcement follows Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recommendation that Malaysians consider switching to TuJu, a locally developed navigation application created by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM). The recommendation was linked to concerns about the security of personal information and movement data collected through Waze, which operates within a legal environment that the government says raises data security questions because of its ties to Israel.
TuJu was developed by LLM in collaboration with Prosignal Consortium Sdn Bhd. The application was officially launched by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi on November 26, 2025, as a Malaysian alternative for motorists seeking navigation and road information.
Available through both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, TuJu offers a range of practical features for everyday travel. Users can access route guidance, calculate travel distances, check estimated arrival times, view toll information and receive real-time traffic updates. The application also provides information about rest and service areas, access to live CCTV feeds and emergency assistance features.
For drivers who depend on navigation apps for their daily commutes, the announcement could mark a significant change in their travel routines. Switching applications may require some adjustment, but the availability of a local alternative gives motorists another option to consider when planning their journeys.
The wider issue extends beyond choosing one navigation app over another. It raises important questions about digital privacy, national cybersecurity and how personal location data is collected, stored and protected. As governments increasingly assess the digital services used by their employees, the security of everyday applications is becoming a more prominent public concern.
For Malaysian civil servants, the immediate priority is to follow the official directive and familiarise themselves with the approved alternative. For the wider public, the decision serves as a reminder to understand the privacy policies and data practices behind the applications used every day.
Ultimately, the move is about more than finding another route on a map. It highlights the growing importance of digital trust, data protection and locally developed technology in Malaysia’s changing digital landscape.
