KUALA LUMPUR: Civil servants are seeking clarity over the decision to ban them from using the Waze navigation application. This includes the government's concerns over the app's alleged links to Israel and the security of users' location data.
A civil servant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, asked why the ban was not extended to all users if the government was concerned that location data could be exposed to the Israeli government or companies.
"Ordinary Malaysians are also using Waze and their location data could be exposed, too. If it is a security threat to the country, then it should be a blanket ban.
"But if the concern is only about government operations, the government should explain why the restriction is necessary for all civil servants," he said.
He added that if the Waze ban was on national security grounds, then it should focus only on sensitive government bodies, including the Prime Minister's Office, Home Ministry and Defence Ministry.
"Their movements and activities may involve sensitive matters, so there is a stronger reason to take precautions there."
He said it was unfair to single out civil servants as the app was still available for use by other Malaysians.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ordered civil servants to stop using Waze over concerns that sensitive government information and personal data could be exploited by Israel.
However, Anwar said yesterday the government had not ruled out imposing a nationwide ban on Waze once suitable alternatives became available.
"I will not allow civil servants to use it under any circumstances. Waze is banned.
"We need to study the available alternatives. If we find that their capabilities are sufficiently developed, we may consider using the facilities available."
Anwar said Malaysians should switch to locally developed alternatives such as TuJu, developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority, citing assurances over data security and personal information protection.
Another civil servant asked why United States-based apps such as Google Maps, Instagram and WhatsApp remained accessible.
"Why is Waze banned while Google Maps is available? Both are used for navigation and require location data."
She added that Instagram and WhatsApp should also be considered when the government assessed the potential exposure of personal information to foreign companies.
"If the concern is about foreign companies collecting data, then the government needs to explain the criteria it uses.
"Otherwise, people will question why one application is banned while other widely used apps remain accessible."
Another civil servant questioned whether disciplinary action would be taken if a civil servant was found using Waze.
"We are expected to follow government instructions, but there must also be a clear explanation why this decision was made. If the concern is national security, then explain to us what the concern is and why Waze is singled out," she said.
Civil servants have been warned that they would face disciplinary action if found using the app, with department heads overseeing compliance with the directive.
Asked whether any spot checks had been conducted in her department, she said: "So far, there have been no checks to see whether we have downloaded TuJu and uninstalled Waze.
"We have received instructions from the top management reminding us to comply with the Waze directive and not make any comments on social media, particularly those that belittle TuJu."
She also questioned whether the government had properly considered the alternatives available to those who rely on Waze for their travel needs, saying her experience with TuJu had raised concerns over its reliability.
"I searched for my home address but the app displayed the message: 'No results found, try searching with different keywords'.
"The same thing happened when I tried searching for Dataran Merdeka. If the app cannot even find this location, how reliable is it as an alternative to Waze?"
She said navigation apps were not just about finding the direction to a destination, but also providing accurate locations and convenient routes, particularly for those unfamiliar with an area.
She added that civil servants would need an alternative that could meet their daily needs, including travelling to meetings, attending official functions and finding unfamiliar addresses.
"If we are told to stop using Waze immediately, then the alternative should at least work properly.
"Otherwise, it will be difficult for users who depend on navigation apps to get around."
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