Malaysia has barred civil servants from using Waze while carrying out official duties, citing concerns over data security and the navigation app’s links to Israel. NACSA’s latest clarification defines the restriction as applying to official government business.
For other Malaysian users, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged a switch to local alternatives such as TuJu. That public recommendation is separate from the directive issued to the civil service.
What prompted the Waze restriction?
The decision followed the National Cyber Security Committee’s third meeting of 2026, chaired by Anwar on 20 October. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar issued a directive dated the same day, with immediate effect.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the move is intended to protect sensitive government information and users’ personal data against potential misuse. The PMO cited Waze Mobile Ltd’s position as a data controller incorporated and operating under Israeli law.
These are the government’s stated security concerns. They should not be read as confirmation that users’ data has been misused.
Does the ban cover private journeys?
NACSA’s official FAQ says the prohibition currently applies to civil servants performing official duties. It also encourages them to uninstall Waze from their devices and use suitable local navigation alternatives.
The agency explains that location and movement information may still be collected outside working hours, depending on device settings and app permissions. It also notes that it has no evidence Waze performs the pattern analysis discussed in its risk assessment, while treating the possibility as a risk to consider.
For government employees, the distinction matters: the binding restriction concerns official work, while uninstalling the app is encouraged more broadly. Bernama reports that the covered public services include the armed forces, police, federal and state civil services, education, and judicial and legal services.
TuJu recommended as a local alternative
Anwar has encouraged Malaysians to consider TuJu, developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority, for road navigation. NACSA also lists the locally developed PINTAZ app among the available alternatives.
Mdroid’s earlier report highlighted the civil service directive and the government’s wider recommendation to the public. The official FAQ now adds a key qualification for anyone following the news: the Waze ban concerns official duties, rather than a blanket prohibition on every Malaysian driver’s use of the app.
Sources: Mdroid, NACSA FAQ, Bernama’s PMO report and Bernama’s clarification report.
