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Malaysia Bans Waze for Civil Servants Over Security Concerns

Malaysia Bans Waze for Civil Servants Over Security Concerns

First seen 21 Oct 2026, 15:41 UTC • •

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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 22, 2026 at 15:13 UTC
  • •Malaysia has banned civil servants from using Waze due to security concerns.
  • •The ban is immediate and follows a National Cyber Security Committee meeting.
  • •Anwar recommended using the local app TuJu instead of Waze.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a ban on the use of Waze among civil servants due to security concerns related to the app's Israeli origins. The decision follows a National Cyber Security Committee meeting where potential risks associated with Waze's compliance with Israeli laws were discussed. Anwar emphasized the importance of protecting citizens' data and identities, recommending TuJu, a local mapping app, as an alternative. The ban is immediate, as confirmed by the Chief Secretary to the Government. This move aligns with Malaysia's longstanding support for the Palestinian cause and its lack of diplomatic relations with Israel. Waze, acquired by Google in 2013, has faced scrutiny in other countries, including Iraq and Iran, for similar reasons.

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Timeline

2026-10-20
National Cyber Security Committee meeting held
Prime Minister Anwar chaired a meeting discussing security risks associated with Waze and recommended the use of TuJu.
Freemalaysiatoday
2026-10-21
Ban on Waze for civil servants announced
Anwar confirmed the immediate ban on Waze for civil servants, citing security risks related to its Israeli origins.
Thearabweekly

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Common questions

Why was Waze banned for civil servants?
Waze was banned due to security concerns related to its Israeli origins and compliance with Israeli laws.
What is the alternative app recommended?
The recommended alternative is TuJu, a local mapping app developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority.
When did the ban take effect?
The ban took effect immediately following the announcement on October 21, 2026.