Malaysia Bans Public Servants From Using Waze App

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Malaysia has banned its public servants from using the Waze navigation app, citing security concerns and the app's adherence to Israeli law. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also encouraged citizens to use a local alternative and highlighted the country's ongoing restrictions against Israel. These measures include barring Israeli citizens, halting trade, and preventing Israeli participation in international events, such as an upcoming chess championship.

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Malaysia banned public servants from using Waze due to Israeli law concerns.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged citizens to use a local navigation app, TuJu.
The ban is part of Malaysia's increasing sanctions against Israel.
Israelis are barred from entering Malaysia and participating in international events.
An Israeli chess player was denied entry despite attempting to use a foreign passport.

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Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced an immediate ban on public servants using the navigation app Waze while on duty, effective October 21. The decision, made by the National Cyber Security Committee, aims to protect government information and citizen location data, citing Waze's subjection to Israeli law. Ibrahim also urged all citizens to stop using Waze and switch to a local alternative called TuJu.

This ban is part of Malaysia's escalating sanctions against Israel and Israelis. The Muslim-majority nation, which has no diplomatic ties with Israel, has previously prohibited Israeli citizens from entering the country, banned direct trade, blocked the Israeli shipping company ZIM from Malaysian ports since late 2023, and seized shipments destined for Israel. Widespread consumer boycotts against brands perceived as linked to Israel or the US, such as McDonald's and Starbucks, have also intensified since October 7, 2023.

The government continues to prevent Israelis from participating in international events held in the country. For example, the International Chess Federation's World Amateur Chess Championship, scheduled for November in Kuantan, will not allow Israeli players to enter, despite the federation's rules against discrimination. This policy extends to Israelis holding foreign passports, as confirmed by officials investigating the case of Israeli chess player Lior Eisenberg, who attempted to register using a foreign passport but was ignored.

Malaysian authorities have clarified that the ban on Israeli participation applies even to those with dual citizenship. A source familiar with the matter stated that decisions are based on existing government policy and are not influenced by the passport presented. This stance aligns with previous statements by Foreign Minister Mohamad Hassan, who in July instructed a dual Israeli-American citizen to leave the country after discovering their Israeli nationality, despite entering on their American passport.