Waze ban sparks debate over Malaysia’s homegrown tech ambitions

Malaysia’s decision to restrict civil servants from using Waze has generated more than 154.3 million in potential reach across 430 online mentions, as debate over the move draws attention to the capabilities of local navigation app TuJu and the government’s push for homegrown technology.

Analysis by media intelligence firm CARMA found that neutral sentiment accounted for 47.05% of mentions, followed by positive sentiment at 26.74% and negative sentiment at 26.21%. Male users generated the largest volume of negative discussion.

While neutral conversations made up the largest share, negative discussions focused on the practicality of the restriction and whether local alternatives could meet users’ needs. Users questioned TuJu’s functionality, performance and usability, while some challenged why Waze was being singled out when other global technology platforms also collect user data.

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The debate has also extended beyond the app’s performance to questions about how Malaysia develops and selects its homegrown technology. On 26 October, Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Lim Guan Eng called for an open tender to develop a Malaysian-made alternative to Waze, questioning how Prosignal Consortium Sdn Bhd was selected to develop TuJu, Malay Mail reported.

Can local alternatives keep up? 

On 20 October, the Malaysia government prohibited civil servants from using Waze while performing official duties, citing concerns about the app’s Israeli incorporation and its operation under Israeli law. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, these factors raised concerns over the potential exposure of sensitive government information and users’ movement data.

On 22 October, Waze rejected the allegations, describing the claims that the app collects sensitive government information as “completely false”.

The brand's spokesperson added that Waze operates under privacy policies designed to protect user data and comply with global data protection standards.

A+M has reached out to Google, the parent company of Waze, for comment.

The controversy widened on 23 October when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said a complete ban on Waze could be considered after the government assessed whether suitable alternatives were available. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil subsequently clarified that Malaysians remained free to use other navigation apps and that the government was not directing the public towards TuJu alone.

Developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) in collaboration with Prosignal Consortium, TuJu faced technical disruptions following a surge in users after the government promoted local alternatives. LLM apologised for the disruption and said it would work with the developer to investigate the issues, stabilise the system and increase its capacity.

The app’s limitations have since prompted questions about its intended role. On 27 October, LLM chairperson Hasni Mohammad clarified that TuJu was designed primarily to provide highway traffic information and services, rather than compete directly with Waze. He said expanding its coverage to other roads was possible but would require time and further development.

Lim’s call for an open tender has added another dimension to the debate, with scrutiny extending to the selection of the developer and the transparency of the procurement process.

Malaysia’s Waze ban goes beyond navigation

The controversy comes against a backdrop of sensitivity in Malaysia towards brands perceived to have links to Israel. Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, consumer boycotts have affected brands associated with the country.

F&N, KFC Malaysia and Starbucks Malaysia were among the brands targeted by the boycotts, prompting different responses from the companies. F&N clarified that Hebrew text on its products did not indicate business dealings with Israel, while Vincent Tan, founder and adviser of Berjaya Corporation, said Starbucks Malaysia was locally owned rather than owned by Starbucks in the US. Tan also reportedly called the boycott unnecessary, saying: “Whatever you do is not going to change Israel and what Israel wants to do.”

KFC Malaysia, meanwhile, opted to remain silent.

Previous reporting by A+M cited a survey in which 52% of Malaysians said they had boycotted brands they believed were doing business with Israel, with more than 60% of those boycotters opting for local brands. This is despite 42% of consumers being aware that their actions hurt local employees of these companies the most.

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