TuJu navigation app plagued by technical glitches

KUALA LUMPUR: The government's push to encourage Malaysians to switch to local navigation application TuJu has yet to gain traction, with users complaining of frequent system failures and a lack of user-friendly features.

Despite a surge in downloads to more than 800,000 following data security concerns over foreign apps such as Waze, the app has continued to fall short of motorists' expectations.

A review found that the application, jointly developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) and Prosignal Consortium Sdn Bhd (PCSB), was plagued by technical issues that had sparked widespread dissatisfaction.

The writer's own experience using the application to navigate from Bangsar to Bukit Jalil was equally disappointing, as the navigation system failed to function altogether.

A major shortcoming was its location search feature, which frequently returned a "No Results Found" message.

It could not find prominent landmarks, including Pavilion Bukit Jalil and Bukit Jalil Golf & Country Club.

The login process was also problematic, with an "Invalid Email" message repeatedly appearing despite users entering the correct details.

The application also lacked a password reset function and a direct channel for users to report problems.

A review of the application store's review section found similar complaints from other users.

Its real-time navigation feature was also unstable, frequently disconnecting, providing confusing directions and failing to offer alternative routes to avoid traffic congestion - features commonly available on other navigation applications.

One user, identified as JuanLela 9497, expressed frustration that even basic registration and login processes had become major obstacles.

"Even registering is difficult, let alone logging in. Please review this application. It has already been featured on TV3, but its quality is extremely disappointing," the user said.

Another user, Fauzan Roslan, claimed the application could not process basic searches.

"Typing 'CIMB Bank' into the search bar does not return any results. If the application is not ready and lacks basic functions, it should not have been launched yet," he said.

The issue also drew the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who apologised and confirmed receiving feedback from MHA that TuJu remained incomplete and had numerous shortcomings.

Meanwhile, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil called on MHA and PCSB to provide a detailed and comprehensive explanation to restore public confidence in the application.

MHA and PCSB are reportedly working to restore their servers and improve the system in stages.