MPs seek explanation for Waze ban on civil servants
KUALA LUMPUR: Two members of parliament (MPs) have called on the government to explain its decision to ban civil servants from using Waze, questioning the rationale and effectiveness of the restriction.
Two members of parliament have questioned the government's decision to restrict civil servants from using the navigation app Waze. Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden of the Pas party suggested that if Waze is dangerous due to its Israeli origins, it should be prohibited for all Malaysians, not just civil servants. During a debate on the Supply Bill 2027, Afnan asked the government to clarify the grounds for the ban and evaluate its effectiveness.
He wondered if the directive applies to civil servants' personal phones and their use of the app outside of work hours. Afnan questioned why the government would ban Waze while allowing other potentially risky applications such as Google Maps, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Regarding the supposed Israeli ownership of Waze, Afnan noted that the app has been owned by Google since 2013 and asked why there is a difference in data security risks between Waze and Google Maps.
The government has instructed all civil servants to cease using Waze immediately, following a decision made at a National Cyber Security Committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
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- PMO confirms civil servants barred from using Waze over Israel data security risks malaymail.com
- Waze ban to prevent Israel misusing govt, personal data, says Anwar freemalaysiatoday.com
- Anwar orders civil servants to stop using Waze over security concerns nst.com.my
- Malaysia bars civil servants from using Waze, citing Israel’s control of app scmp.com
- Waze banned to protect government information and users' personal data from Israeli threats – PM thevibes.com
