Anwar apologises for Waze ban inconvenience, says national security comes first

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed regret for the disruption caused by the government's prohibition on the Waze app among civil servants, emphasizing that national security takes precedence over convenience. The decision sparked criticism, with some questioning the government's swift response. Anwar, acknowledging the concerns, stated that the risks identified by the government were serious enough to merit immediate action.

He disclosed that his office had conducted investigations into Waze's operations and legal framework, which supported the claim that the app was linked to Israel and governed by Israeli law. Anwar underscored his understanding of the shortcomings of locally developed navigation apps, such as TuJu, while maintaining that the potential risks of sharing sensitive information with Israel outweigh any inconvenience caused by the Waze ban.

The Prime Minister's Office emphasized that the government's decision considered Waze Mobile Ltd's status as a data controller incorporated and operating under Israeli law, highlighting the necessity of the ban to prevent potential threats to national security and safeguard sensitive information. Waze has refuted the allegations of data misuse, maintaining its strict privacy policies and compliance with data protection standards.

The government has also promoted the use of locally developed navigation applications, including TuJu, which has faced technical challenges, prompting the Ministry of Highways to commit to improvements.