Fahmi says Malaysians can use any navigation app except Waze, including overseas alternatives

Malaysians are permitted to utilize any navigation application other than Waze, including alternative apps developed locally and overseas, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced today. The government is not directing the public towards a single alternative, as concerns surrounding Waze's data security persist, alongside ongoing efforts to enhance Malaysia's locally developed TuJu application.

Speaking at his weekly post-Cabinet press conference, Fahmi emphasized that the National Security Council has communicated the security concerns related to Waze. He stated that two primary issues have been raised: the transfer of data collected and processed through Waze to Israel, and the fact that any legal disputes would have to be resolved in Israeli courts.

This means that if any issues arise, Malaysia, which does not recognize Israel and has no diplomatic relations with it, would be unable to pursue them. Regarding TuJu, Fahmi mentioned that the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) is aware of the reported issues and is working to improve the application. However, he stressed that LLM and its developer, ProSignal Konsortium Sdn Bhd, must provide detailed explanations about the technical challenges, the app's current performance, and the steps being taken to address users' complaints.

The ban on Waze was determined during a meeting of the National Cyber Security Committee, with Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar instructing department heads to ensure it was implemented immediately. The ban applies only to civil servants on official duty, although the government encourages them to uninstall Waze and switch to a local alternative.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had previously stated that the government is investigating security risks associated with Waze, which operates under Israeli laws.