Anwar says Waze ban was ‘spontaneous’ decision over Israeli links

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says checks found Waze is governed by Israeli laws, prompting the government to ban its use by civil servants.

First Published: Friday, 23 Oct 2026 3:29 PM MYT

AMPANG, Oct 23 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today defended the ban on Waze for civil servants, describing it as a spontaneous decision to protect national security, while acknowledging that the matter had not been deliberated by the Cabinet.

“It’s not the government that is the problem. When we checked Waze’s headquarters is in Israel,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers here.

“Then a check on the contract showed Waze is governed only by Israeli laws. This is why I had to take a spontaneous decision because we cannot afford to delay even a single day since all data are automatically handed to the Israeli government,” he added.