PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has advised Malaysians against using popular navigation app Waze, which was founded in Israel.
Anwar said today's National Cyber Security Committee meeting which he chaired examined security risks arising from Waze's use, which he said is subject to Israeli government laws.
Citing concerns over the navigation app’s personal data security and information on users' movements, Anwar encouraged Malaysians to consider using TuJu – a local navigation app developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM).
"The government cannot compromise on the security of Malaysians’ data and identities," he said in a Facebook post.
Iraq announced a complete ban on Waze, set to take effect in the beginning of 2027, after citing the app's Israeli origins and data security concerns.
Iran has also previously blocked and restricted access to Waze due to its link to Israel.
In 2017, it was reported that Malaysia had one of the highest numbers of Waze users in Asia with roughly six million monthly active users, including around 2.5 million users in Kuala Lumpur alone, generating nearly 1.2 million traffic alerts per month.
Google bought Waze in June 2013 for approximately US$1.15 billion. The app was originally founded in Israel in 2008 by three Israeli entrepreneurs.
In the Facebook post, Anwar also said today's National Cyber Security Committee meeting discussed the security of MyDigital ID and emerging risks from autonomous artificial intelligence.
Anwar said the government is strengthening its integrated identity system, with MyKad serving as a physical credential and MyDigital ID for digital transactions, supported by stronger cybersecurity measures.
He said these efforts aimed to ensure the digitalisation of public services continued to benefit the public without compromising security, trust and national sovereignty.