Waze ban for civil servants: What it means for Malaysian drivers (2026)
Private drivers in Malaysia can keep using Waze for now: the new directive tells civil servants to stop using it, and no ban on the general public has been reported as of 21 October 2026. Here is what changed, who it affects, and how to set up a safe backup if you want one.
Key takeaways
• If you are a private driver: No ban on the general public has been reported, so the directive does not stop you using Waze.
• If you are a civil servant: You have been told to stop using Waze. Ask your department whether this applies to your personal phone.
• Why it matters to you: The Prime Minister cited security risks to users' location and movement data, which is a good reason to review the location permissions on any navigation app.
• The alternative the government named: TuJu, launched on 26 November 2025 by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM).
• Do this now: install a backup navigation app and test it offline before your next long trip.
The facts in 30 seconds
Public service members have been told to stop using Waze. The instruction is in a letter from the Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, dated 20 October 2026. It follows a decision at the National Cyber Security Committee (JKSN) meeting that day, chaired by the Prime Minister. Ministry secretaries-general and heads of department must inform all officers under them, and reports say the letter also went to heads of federal statutory bodies, state secretaries and local authorities.
The stated concern is data security. Reports say the concern is Waze's links to Israel. The Prime Minister cited security risks to users' location and movement data and said Waze is subject to Israeli government laws. An official from the Prime Minister's Department reportedly confirmed that the letter is genuine.
The government has pointed to TuJu. The Prime Minister encouraged the public to use the local navigation app TuJu, but the directive itself does not name it. Reports do not state penalties or exemptions, and do not say whether the directive covers personal phones or only work devices.
Do you need to stop using Waze?
If you are a civil servant, yes. The directive tells public service members to stop using the app. Reports do not say whether personal phones are covered, so ask your department or HR for the official notice.
If you are a private driver, no ban has been reported. Reports describe an instruction to public servants and an encouragement to the public to try TuJu, not a rule for everyone. Waze can still be used by private drivers unless the authorities announce otherwise.
What drivers should do now
- Confirm whether you are covered by the directive.
- Check which navigation apps are on your phone and what location permissions they hold.
- Install a backup navigation app and test it before a long trip.
Common mistake
Sharing the story as "Waze is banned in Malaysia". The reports describe a directive for public service members, not a nationwide ban. Misreading it could lead to drivers deleting an app they may still legally use, or to colleagues mistaking personal use for a breach. Always check the original notice.
Is Malaysia following Iraq on Waze?
The two decisions are separate and differ in scope. Iraq's communications minister announced in early October 2026 that Iraq plans to block Waze outright from the start of 2027, citing the app's Israeli origins. Reports say he later suggested bringing the date forward to the end of 2026, and how the block would be enforced has not been explained.
- Malaysia: an instruction to public service members, with no penalties reported.
- Iraq: a planned outright block of the app, with the start date and enforcement method still unclear.
Waze's background matters for context. Waze was founded in Israel and was acquired by Google in 2013 for about US$1 billion. It is owned by Alphabet today. The Malaysian reports reviewed do not link the Malaysian directive to Iraq's announcement.
What to use instead: TuJu, Google Maps and Apple Maps
TuJu is the app the government named. It was launched on 26 November 2025 by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) with its partner Prosignal Consortium. Launch details described live traffic updates, toll calculations, estimated arrival times, a list of R&R areas and their facilities, live highway CCTV feeds, incident reporting, a link to the MyJalan app and an SOS button. It is on Google Play and the Apple App Store. At launch it could not be used through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and its price and coverage area were not stated, so check the current listing.
Other apps are still available. Google Maps and Apple Maps are the common alternatives on most phones. Their features change often, so compare real-time traffic, offline maps, toll information and voice guidance on your own phone before you rely on them.
What to compare before you switch
- Highway vs city coverage: TuJu is described as a highway navigation app and its coverage area was not stated at launch, so test it on city routes too.
- In-car screens: TuJu did not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto at launch, so check whether that has changed.
- Offline use: download maps for areas with weak signal, such as Cameron Highlands or East Coast roads.
- Data permissions: review location access, and turn it off when you do not need it.
- Reliability: try the app on a short trip before a long balik kampung journey.
How to prepare your driving routine
Treat your phone as part of your car's safety kit. A navigation app is only useful if it works when you need it, so set up your backup before you leave, not on the highway.
Keep your car admin separate from your map. Navigation apps do not tell you when your road tax or insurance expires. Motorist App and its AutoConcierge service are built for that side of car ownership.
Expert tip: Test your backup app the way you will really use it. Set a familiar route, switch off mobile data, and see whether the offline map still guides you. Do this once at home so you find the gaps before a long trip, such as a balik kampung drive.
Old way vs Motorist App
A map gets you there; the Motorist App keeps your car legal. Whichever navigation app you use, these ownership tasks stay the same.
| What you need | The old way | With the Motorist App |
|---|---|---|
Know when road tax and insurance expire |
Remember dates yourself, or find out at a roadblock |
Reminders for road tax and insurance renewals |
Know your car's value before a sale or big repair |
Visit several dealers or compare listings over days |
Free car valuation within 24 hours |
Stay on top of summons |
Check 2 official portals separately: MyJPJ (JPJ and AES) and MyBayar PDRM (police) |
Summons reminders in one app |
Conclusion
The Waze directive applies to public service members, not to every Malaysian driver, and the government has pointed to TuJu as an alternative. Check whether it covers you, test a backup navigation app, and keep your car's key dates in one place.
FAQs
1. Is Waze banned in Malaysia?
No nationwide ban has been reported. The directive tells public service members to stop using Waze.
2. Has Iraq banned Waze?
Iraq's communications minister has announced a plan to block Waze outright from the start of 2027, although the minister has reportedly floated bringing it forward to the end of 2026. Details on enforcement have not been given.
3. Who owns Waze?
Waze was founded in Israel and has been owned by Google, part of Alphabet, since its acquisition in 2013 for about US$1 billion.
4. Who has been told to stop using Waze?
Public service members across ministries, departments and agencies. Heads of departments must pass the notice to their officers.
5. Why were civil servants told to stop using Waze?
The instruction followed a decision by the National Cyber Security Committee (JKSN) on 20 October 2026. Reports say the concern is Waze's links to Israel, with the Prime Minister citing risks to users' location and movement data.
6. What is TuJu?
TuJu is a navigation app launched on 26 November 2025 by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) with Prosignal Consortium. It offers traffic, toll, R&R and highway CCTV information, plus an SOS button.
7. Can private drivers still use Waze?
No ban on the general public has been reported. Check official announcements for any change.
8. What are the alternatives to Waze in Malaysia?
TuJu, Google Maps and Apple Maps are common options. Compare traffic data, offline maps and toll information on your own phone.
9. Is TuJu free to use?
Its price was not stated at launch. Check the App Store or Google Play listing for current details.
10. Are there penalties for civil servants who keep using Waze?
No penalties have been reported. Civil servants should confirm with their department.
11. Does the Waze directive affect my car's road tax or summons?
No. It concerns a navigation app, not vehicle registration. Road tax, insurance and summons deadlines still apply as usual.
12. How can I track my road tax and insurance dates?
The Motorist App sends reminders for road tax and insurance renewals, so you do not rely on memory or a roadblock to find out.
Keep your car dates in one place
Download the Motorist App to get reminders for road tax and insurance renewals, personalised AutoConcierge support.
Read More: What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on a Highway in Malaysia
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