Tuju takes a detour to Google Maps as its latest fix

Tuju’s latest Android update has outsourced its navigation function to Google Maps, according to SoyaCincau. The move is a turn for Malaysia’s homegrown navigation app, which was promoted as an alternative to Waze, an app owned by Google.

The Malaysian Highway Authority’s (LLM) app is now on version 2.0.4, released on 30 October. Tapping the navigation option now shows a message that Google Maps will be launched to take users to their destination, instead of providing turn-by-turn directions inside Tuju. The iOS version is unchanged at 1.5.5, last updated in November 2025.

The update comes ahead of the 6 November deadline LLM set to restore the navigation feature. The function was switched off on 22 October after users testing the app flagged vague directions, inaccurate routing and missing essential features, which LLM said could pose a distraction to drivers.

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The change also raises questions about Tuju’s positioning. Following the update, its homepage still carried the tagline "Nak pergi mana? Tuju je" ("Need to go somewhere? Just use Tuju"), according to Malay Mail. However, A+M's observations found that the tagline has since been removed. 

LLM has also sought to temper expectations of Tuju as a direct Waze competitor. On 27 October, it clarified that the app was designed as a highway companion, providing real-time highway updates, toll exit information, rest stop locations, live camera feeds and emergency contacts. It was also never intended to replace Waze, the authority said.

LLM chairperson Hasni Mohammad added that expanding coverage to other roads was possible, but would require time and further development.

The expectations around Tuju were raised by the government. As A+M reported, the government prohibited civil servants from using Waze in official duties on 20 October, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said a complete ban could be considered once suitable alternatives were assessed. 

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil subsequently clarified that Malaysians remained free to use other navigation apps.

More recently, he said senior management responsible for Tuju should be held accountable if inaccurate information had been presented to the government, The Star reported.

Waze, meanwhile, rejected the government's data security claims, calling them "completely false".

The debate has also extended to public sentiment surrounding the homegrown alternative. A recent analysis by media intelligence firm CARMA found conversations about the Waze ban had generated more than 154.3 million in potential reach across 430 mentions. Negative discussions centred largely on Tuju's functionality and performance.

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