From Waze to TuJu? Anwar backs Malaysian navigation app over data security concerns

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — The government is encouraging the public to use the locally developed application, TuJu created by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) as an alternative for road navigation needs.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this alternative has been proposed due to security risks concerning information and data on citizens’ movements, given that the Waze application is subject to the laws of the Israeli government.

He noted that this matter was among the topics discussed while chairing the third meeting of the National Cyber Security Committee (JKSN) today, which aimed to examine evolving cyber threats and strengthen the nation’s preparedness and digital sovereignty.

“Also discussed were the implementation of the Cyber Security Act 2024, the security of MyDigital ID, preparations to counter threats from quantum computing through post-quantum cryptography (PQC), emerging threats involving autonomous artificial intelligence, and the protection of National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII).

“We cannot compromise when it comes to the security of our citizens’ data and identities. Therefore, the government is strengthening an integrated identity ecosystem utilising MyKad as a physical credential and MyDigital ID for digital transactions supported by more robust cyber protections, including preparations for future threats via PQC,” he said in a Facebook post.

The prime minister emphasised that these efforts are crucial to ensuring that the digitalization of public services continues to benefit the people, without compromising security, public trust, or national sovereignty. — Bernama