BDS Malaysia backs civil service Waze ban, urges public boycott of navigation app

A notice regarding the prohibition on public service members from using the Waze navigation application is seen on a monitor, in Kuala Lumpur on October 21, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 23 Oct 2026 4:29 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 — BDS Malaysia has welcomed the government’s directive banning civil servants from using Waze and its call for members of the public to stop using the navigation application.

In a statement today, the organisation said it supported the directive, citing concerns that the use of Waze could compromise Malaysia’s national security and sovereignty.

“We fully support this directive which is issued in the interest of preventing our national security and sovereignty from being compromised by Waze, an Israeli-based company, for the benefit of the Zionist apartheid and genocidal regime,” the statement read.

BDS Malaysia also urged the government to remain consistent in addressing national security concerns.

BDS Malaysia is part of the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which campaigns for boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israel in support of Palestinian rights.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ordered civil servants to stop using Waze over concerns that sensitive government information and personal data could be exploited by Israel. — Bernama