TuJu Now Sends You to Google Maps: The Latest on the Waze Ban, and No, the Public Isn't Banned

The short version: TuJu, the local navigation app the government has been recommending, released Android version 2.0.4 on 30 October. Tap "navigate" and it now opens Google Maps; it no longer gives its own turn-by-turn directions. Its developer, the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), says TuJu was never meant to replace Waze. And for the general public, Waze has not been banned; which app you use is still up to you.

Information as of 5 November 2026.

What happened with TuJu

• 21 October: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim encouraged Malaysians to switch to TuJu, citing Waze's terms of use being governed by Israeli law and risks to users' movement data.
• 22 October: Tech site SoyaCincau tested TuJu's navigation and found vague directions, inaccurate routing and missing basics. LLM then temporarily disabled the navigation feature.
• 30 October: TuJu's Android 2.0.4 update arrived. Tapping navigate now shows a message saying Google Maps will open to guide you. The iOS app remains on version 1.5.5, unchanged.
• LLM's position: TuJu is a "highway companion" offering highway traffic updates, toll exit information, rest stop locations, live cameras and emergency contacts. It isn't a Waze replacement.
• Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil: if TuJu's management gave the government inaccurate information, they must be held accountable.

So is Waze banned?

The National Security Council's director-general said on 22 October that a total ban would put security above personal freedom, so the choice is being left to individuals.

For the earlier background, see Malaysia Waze Ban Explained: What Is TuJu?.

Which navigation app should you use?

JomGuide's view: practicality comes first, and the choice is yours. The JomGuide team uses Google Maps day to day.

How the options compare:

If you're concerned about your data, whichever app you use, set its location permission to "only while using the app" in your phone's settings.

FAQ

Can the public still use Waze?

Yes. There's no blanket ban; the government is only encouraging people to consider uninstalling it.

Does TuJu still navigate?

On Android 2.0.4, tapping navigate opens Google Maps. The iOS version hasn't changed yet.

What is TuJu useful for?

Highway information: traffic updates, tolls, rest stops, highway cameras and emergency contacts.

Will civil servants be penalised for using Waze on their own phones?

The ban covers official duty; for personal phones, they are encouraged to uninstall it. Each department decides how to enforce the directive.