Malaysian PM Anwar bans civil servants from using Waze over security fears

Government cites national sovereignty, urges switch to local navigation apps

By LineZotpaper

Published23 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has banned civil servants from using the navigation app Waze, citing risks to national security and data sovereignty. Anwar warned that the app, which was developed in Israel and remains subject to Israeli law despite being a Google subsidiary, could expose government information and personal data to misuse. He encouraged Malaysians to adopt local alternatives like Tuju, developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Anwar stated that the ban was intended to "protect government information and users' personal data from the threat of misuse by the Israeli regime." The decision came after a meeting of the National Cyber Security Committee on Tuesday, which reviewed cyber threats and the security of national digital systems, including MyDigital ID and the Cyber Security Act 2024.

Waze responded by rejecting the allegations. A spokesperson told Reuters that the company "operates under strict privacy policies that protect user data and comply with global legal data protection standards."

The ban reflects Malaysia's longstanding opposition to Israel, with which it has no diplomatic relations. Anwar has been a vocal critic of Israel's actions in Gaza, and his government has maintained ties with Hamas, which is designated a terrorist organization by several Western nations.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The ban highlights growing tensions around data sovereignty and foreign tech dependency.
It could influence other countries with similar geopolitical positions to reevaluate their use of Israeli-linked services.
The move may affect Google's operations in Malaysia and set a precedent for government restrictions on foreign apps.

Background

Malaysia and Israel have no formal diplomatic relations, and the Malaysian government has long supported the Palestinian cause. Waze originated in Israel and was acquired by Google in 2013. Anwar has been particularly critical of Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in 2023.

Key Perspectives

Anwar's government: The ban is necessary to protect national security and data from potential exploitation by Israel. The government is exploring cybersecurity risks and promoting local apps.
Waze/Google: The company maintains that it adheres to strict privacy and data protection standards globally, and that the allegations are unfounded.
Analysts and critics: The ban may be seen as a symbolic political gesture that could disrupt daily lives without addressing broader data security issues.

What to Watch

Whether Malaysia expands the ban to other foreign apps or services.
The response from the US government, given Google's American ownership.
Adoption rates of local alternatives like Tuju and their effectiveness.

Sources

Malaysian PM Anwar Bans Civil Servants From Using Israel-developed Navigation App · The Diplomat

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 10 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedAnwar banned civil servants from using Waze over security fears.The Diplomat: “Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has prohibited civil servants from using Waze, a popular navigation app developed in Israel, warning that its use could compromise “national security and sovereignty.””
SupportedThe government cited national sovereignty and urged a switch to local navigation apps.The Diplomat: “For the same reason, he urged Malaysians to stop using the app, and suggested that they switch to local alternatives including Tuju, an app developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority.”
SupportedWaze was developed in Israel and remains subject to Israeli law despite being a Google subsidiary.The Diplomat: “Waze, which, despite now being a subsidiary of Google, remains subject to Israeli law.”
SupportedAnwar encouraged Malaysians to adopt Tuju, developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority.The Diplomat: “he urged Malaysians to stop using the app, and suggested that they switch to local alternatives including Tuju, an app developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority.”
SupportedIn a Wednesday Facebook post, Anwar said the ban was intended to “protect government information and users' personal data from the threat of misuse by the Israeli regime.”The Diplomat: “In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Anwar said that the ban was intended to “protect government information and users’ personal data from the threat of misuse by the Israeli regime.””
SupportedThe decision followed a Tuesday National Cyber Security Committee meeting that reviewed cyber threats and the security of MyDigital ID and the Cyber Security Act 2024.The Diplomat: “The JKSN meeting also reviewed the development of cyber threats and efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s “digital preparedness and sovereignty.” It also discussed the security of MyDigital ID, Malaysia’s national digital identity verification platform, and efforts to implement the country’s Cyber Security Act 2024.”
SupportedWaze rejected the allegations.The Diplomat: “Waze yesterday rejected Anwar’s allegations that it collects sensitive government information or allows users’ personal data to be exploited by third parties.”
SupportedA Waze spokesperson told Reuters the company “operates under strict privacy policies that protect user data and comply with global legal data protection standards.”The Diplomat: “In a statement to Reuters , a Waze spokesperson said that the company “operates under strict privacy policies that protect user data and comply with global legal data protection standards.””
SupportedThe directive reflects Malaysia’s longstanding opposition to Israel, with which it has no diplomatic relations.The Diplomat: “The directive reflects the Malaysian government’s long-standing hostility toward Israel, with which it does not have diplomatic relations, and its support for the Palestinian national cause.”
SupportedAnwar has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza.The Diplomat: “Anwar has been particularly outspoken on this issue, condemning Israel’s assaults on Gaza in the wake of the militant group Hamas’ attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.”
Partly supportedAnwar’s government has maintained ties with Hamas.The Diplomat: “Unlike other critical leaders, Anwar has also continued to engage publicly with Hamas, which Israel, the U.S., and many Western nations view as a terrorist organization.”
Partly supportedHamas is designated a terrorist organization by several Western nations.The Diplomat: “Hamas, which Israel, the U.S., and many Western nations view as a terrorist organization.”