Civil servants free to use navigation apps beyond TuJu, Waze excluded

KUALA LUMPUR — Government workers have flexibility in their choice of navigation applications for official duties, with the notable exception of Waze, according to a ministerial statement made in Parliament.

Minister of Law Gobind Singh Deo explained that the restriction on Waze stems from concerns centred on data protection and legal jurisdiction. The government has promoted TuJu, a locally-developed navigation platform, as the preferred alternative for civil servants, but this does not preclude the use of other applications that meet security standards.

"Civil servants can utilise other navigation apps alongside TuJu, provided they comply with data security protocols," Singh said, emphasizing that the ban on Waze reflects specific vulnerabilities rather than a blanket prohibition on foreign applications.

The move reflects growing scrutiny across Southeast Asia regarding data sovereignty and the handling of sensitive information by technology platforms. Malaysia has sought to develop and promote local digital solutions to reduce reliance on foreign applications for government operations.

Officials did not specify which alternative applications have received clearance, suggesting that assessment of compliance with security requirements continues on a case-by-case basis.