World · Malaysia Bureau
Seek expert advice before banning Waze, former minister urges government
A former Malaysian minister has called on the government to consult with specialists before imposing a complete ban on the navigation application Waze, questioning the rationale given the approach taken by Gulf nations.
LSN Malaysia ·
The former minister questioned the basis for an outright prohibition of the popular navigation app, noting that similar jurisdictions have not pursued such a course of action. He pointed to the example of Gulf states including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have opted against implementing comprehensive bans despite operating in comparable regulatory environments.
His intervention comes as policymakers consider stricter controls on the application, which has become widely used across Malaysia for real-time traffic updates and route guidance. The former minister's remarks suggest that any regulatory decision warrants careful deliberation involving technical experts and comparative analysis of international practices.
The call for expert consultation reflects broader concerns about the proportionality and efficacy of outright bans as a regulatory tool. Officials have previously raised concerns about certain features of navigation applications, though the specific grounds for consideration of a complete prohibition remain subject to ongoing discussion among government agencies.
The matter highlights the tension between regulatory oversight and the practical benefits that such applications provide to users. As digital services continue to expand across the region, policymakers face pressure to balance legitimate governance concerns with the utility and widespread adoption of technology platforms.