Malaysia has banned civil servants from using the navigation application Waze due to concerns over data security linked to the app's Israeli origins. The decision was announced on Wednesday by the office of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, following a meeting of the National Cyber Security Committee chaired by the prime minister on Tuesday.

Waze, which was originally developed in Israel before being acquired by U.S. technology company Google in 2013, remains incorporated under Israeli law. Malaysia's government cited the potential risks posed by the app's Israeli connections, stating that sensitive government information and citizens’ personal data could be vulnerable to misuse in ways that might compromise national security and sovereignty.

The government’s statement emphasized the need to safeguard data and prevent any possible exploitation by Israeli authorities, reflecting Malaysia’s longstanding policy of non-recognition of Israel and vocal support for the Palestinian cause. Malaysia maintains no diplomatic relations with Israel, further underscoring the context behind the move.

In addition to restricting Waze use among civil servants, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim encouraged all Malaysians to discontinue using the application and to switch to local alternatives such as TuJu, a Malaysian-developed road navigation platform that reportedly offers strong data protection measures.

The announcement highlights an emerging dimension of Malaysia’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by framing it in terms of digital and cybersecurity concerns. While the ban focuses on official government use, the prime minister’s office stressed that protecting personal and governmental data from foreign exploitation is a national priority.

No specific incidents of data breaches involving Waze were cited in the government’s statement, but the move aligns with broader efforts to tighten digital security and assert technological sovereignty. The decision also reflects heightened sensitivity in Malaysia regarding Israeli-linked products and services.

The ban on Waze adds to Malaysia's existing restrictions against interactions with Israeli entities and underscores the government's resolve to close any “avenues” that could pose threats to the country’s security and its people, as stated by officials. The government’s promotion of homegrown alternatives aims to reduce dependence on foreign applications that are perceived as potentially compromising national interests.