Malaysia urges citizens to switch from Waze to local Tuju app

Authorities in Malaysia have launched a push to promote Tuju, a locally-developed navigation and mapping application, as a safer alternative to the widely-used Waze platform. The initiative stems from growing concerns over data privacy and the collection of user movement information through applications subject to Israeli jurisdiction.

The government's recommendation reflects broader regional anxieties about data sovereignty and security. Officials have highlighted potential risks associated with foreign-controlled applications that gather sensitive location and behavioural data from millions of users, particularly in strategically important nations.

Tuju, developed locally, is positioned as a privacy-conscious alternative that keeps user data within Malaysia's borders. The application offers similar navigation and traffic-reporting features to its international competitors while addressing government concerns about data protection and surveillance.

The move is part of a wider trend across Southeast Asia promoting homegrown digital solutions to reduce reliance on foreign technology platforms. Malaysian authorities have framed the transition as essential to safeguarding citizen privacy and national security interests.

Waze, owned by Google, has maintained that it complies with all local regulations in markets where it operates. The company has not publicly responded to the Malaysian government's latest initiative.