TuJu built for stranded motorists on expressways, not to rival Waze, says highway authority chief

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 — Malaysian Highway Authority chairman Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad has clarified that the TuJu app, not intended to compete with Waze, serves stranded motorists on expressways. The app provides traffic updates, rest area details, enforcement camera locations, and emergency contact information. Hasni, Simpang Renggam MP, emphasized that TuJu's true value emerges when a vehicle breaks down.

He added that the Prime Minister has instructed him to upgrade the app, which has faced criticism due to reported glitches following a surge in downloads. Anwar Ibrahim had recommended Malaysian officials switch to TuJu due to security concerns over its Israeli connections. However, Hasni clarified that TuJu is not a navigation app like Waze.

He noted that the highway authority and developer Prosignal Consortium Sdn Bhd did not clearly communicate the app's purpose during a National Security Council briefing. If the briefing was misleading, it should not have occurred. Hasni also questioned whether the project, funded by investors rather than through a government tender, would generate income for the highway authority.