SHAH ALAM - With Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim raising concerns over data security associated with Waze, Malaysian motorists are being encouraged to consider TuJu, a locally developed navigation app offering highway traffic updates, toll calculations and live CCTV feeds.
The issue gained attention after Anwar raised the proposal during the third National Cyber Security Committee meeting on Oct 20, citing concerns about Waze's exposure to Israeli government laws.
“We cannot compromise on the security of the people’s data and identities,” he said in a Facebook post.
A subsequent government directive ordered public servants to stop using Waze, while TuJu was encouraged as an alternative.
But what exactly is TuJu and how does it compare with Waze and how can motorists use it?
What is TuJu?
TuJu is a Malaysian highway navigation application developed by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) in collaboration with Prosignal Consortium Sdn Bhd.
Although launched in November 2025, the project had been under development since 2022. Its name combines the concepts of “two”, referring to two-way communication between LLM and users, and “jarak” or “julat”, relating to distance and range.
Available free on Android and iPhone, the application is designed to help motorists plan journeys, particularly on Malaysian highways.
Unlike conventional navigation platforms, TuJu draws on information from LLM's traffic management centre, including traffic updates and highway CCTV footage.
However, it is important to note that TuJu still uses Google's mapping and points-of-interest data, alongside technology from Maybank.
What can TuJu do?
The application offers several features intended to make highway journeys easier to plan.
1. Check traffic conditions and live cameras
Users can access traffic information and available highway CCTV feeds to check road conditions, congestion and potential disruptions before travelling.
TuJu also provides information about incidents such as accidents, road closures and floods, drawing on reports from highway authorities and concessionaires.
2. Calculate toll charges
Motorists can enter their destinations to obtain estimated journey times and toll costs. The application also provides toll-related information to help users plan their expenses before setting off.
3. Find R&R facilities
TuJu displays rest and recreation (R&R) areas and available facilities along a route, including toilets, ‘surau’, food outlets, petrol stations and electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
This can be useful for drivers planning long-distance journeys, particularly during festive travel periods.
4. Report road problems and access emergency assistance
Users can report highway incidents through the application and access quick links to emergency services and highway concessionaire hotlines.
TuJu also links to the MyJalan platform, which allows users to report problems such as potholes, damaged roads and faulty traffic lights.
5. Receive additional traffic-related features
An Oct 4 update introduced a redesigned interface for Android users, making toll information, traffic updates and camera feeds easier to access.
The update also previewed TuJuAdd or Tuju+, a planned feature for notifications about Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras. However, the feature had yet to be launched in the supplied information.
Is TuJu better than Waze or Google Maps?
That depends on what motorists need.
TuJu's main advantage is its focus on Malaysian highways and access to information from LLM. Official highway data and CCTV feeds can provide useful information that complements reports submitted by motorists.
Its toll calculations and detailed R&R listings are also practical features for people travelling between states.
Waze, meanwhile, is widely used for real-time traffic updates, alternative routes and alerts, while Google Maps offers navigation and location information across a broad range of destinations.
However, TuJu is not necessarily a complete replacement for either application. Its highway-focused features may be less useful for motorists who frequently navigate residential streets, unfamiliar urban areas or destinations outside major highway networks.
Another limitation is vehicle integration. At its November 2025 launch, TuJu did not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, although LLM indicated that support was being considered. The supplied information does not confirm whether that capability has since been introduced.
How to download and register for TuJu
Motorists can get started by following these steps.
- Download TuJu from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Open the application and register or sign in using Google, Apple or an email address, where available.
- Grant the necessary permissions, including location access, to enable relevant navigation features.
- Enter your destination in the “Choose Your Destination” field.
- Review the suggested route, estimated arrival time, travel distance, toll costs and available highway facilities.
- Check traffic information and available CCTV feeds before and during your journey.
- Users should follow traffic laws and avoid interacting with their phones while driving.
Can TuJu replace Waze?
TuJu offers a useful Malaysian-developed alternative, particularly for motorists who want highway-specific information, toll estimates and access to official traffic cameras.
However, its reliance on Google's mapping data and the absence of confirmed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support in the supplied information are important considerations.
Anwar's concerns have also placed data security at the centre of the discussion. While the government has encouraged the use of TuJu and directed public servants to stop using Waze, motorists should distinguish that public-sector directive from a general ban on private citizens.
Ultimately, TuJu is worth considering for highway journeys, but whether it can replace Waze entirely depends on individual navigation needs, the features available and future updates.