LLM: TuJu App Was Developed for Toll Highway Road Users, Not as a Replacement for Waze

Days after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a ban on public servants using the popular navigation app Waze, Malaysians began scrambling for alternatives, with one of the most talked-about options being the locally developed TuJu app.

However, over the past week, many users have criticised the app, describing the experience as frustrating. Meanwhile, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng went as far as to label TuJu a "national embarrassment".

He also claimed that the Prime Minister had been "wrongly advised" on the matter and said those who had convinced Anwar that TuJu was technologically ready should be held accountable.

"TuJu is not a navigation app like Waze"

Image Credit: Malay Mail

In response to the growing discussion surrounding TuJu, Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) chairman Hasni Mohammad issued a statement clarifying that the app was never intended to replace Waze. Instead, it was designed to enhance services for motorists using tolled highways.

“It is not a navigation application like Waze. Our collaboration with Prosignal Consortium is intended to improve traffic management centres,” he said, as reported by Malaysiakini.

Hasni explained that TuJu, which was launched in late November last year, was developed as an additional service for toll highway users. The app provides traffic updates, information on rest and service areas (R&Rs), the locations of enforcement cameras, and emergency assistance contact details.

Image Credit: NST

“TuJu is a navigation application, but unlike Waze, its features and capabilities are being developed specifically for tolled highway users," he shared.

“If you're travelling from Ayer Keroh to Seremban via the highway, the application can provide information on traffic conditions, exits, rest areas and other facilities along the route.”

Upgrades are possible, but they will take time

Following widespread criticism of the app, Hasni said the Prime Minister had instructed that TuJu be upgraded.

While the app currently focuses on tolled highways, he noted that expanding its coverage to federal, municipal and village roads remains possible, subject to technical capabilities and funding.

However, he cautioned that such expansion would not happen overnight.

“Perhaps in 10 or 15 years, we could expand to federal, municipal and village roads. But for now, TuJu's focus is solely on tolled highways."

Featured Image Credit: Focus Malaysia, Malaysiakini