Youth and Sports Ministry commits to regulated e-sports growth with enhanced safeguards for minors while maintaining industry momentum.
THE Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) has implemented several measures to strengthen safety and regulatory standards in gaming and e-sports, particularly for minors.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim said the ministry has been actively engaging with game publishers, content creators and relevant agencies to ensure stronger safeguards.
He confirmed the ministry would continue regulating the ecosystem responsibly without taking a regressive stance that hindered industry growth.
“I trust that some of you have seen the answer by the Minister, especially in the Parliament that says that we will still approach everything accordingly and rather not conservatively in the sense that we will take a step backwards,” he said during a press conference after launching the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang societal impact bulletin.
He emphasised the need to adhere to existing regulations and approach e-sports development among minors in a regulated manner.
“This has been done by us for so many years through a lot of efforts and initiatives, including the National E-Sports Development Guideline that really provides us with a clear direction on how we handle, especially behavior, mental health issues among those involved in E-Sports.”
Regarding the bulletin, he said the findings validated KBS and E-Sports Integrated’s direction in professionalising and regulating the industry.
He noted the data shows e-sports is increasingly recognised as a contributor to talent development, community building and the digital economy.
“This bulletin marks more than just the release of new data, it marks a new mainstream for Malaysian E-Sports. It is no longer just a pastime, but a platform that shapes careers, builds communities and contributes to national pride.”
Malaysia also unveiled their men’s and women’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang squads for the IESF World Esports Championship.
The tournament will be held on home soil from December 1-7.
The men’s squad features Ealtond Rayner, Idreen Abdul Jamal, Zaed Hakimi Zaharan, Haqqullah Ahmad Shahrul Zaman, Hazziq Danish Rizwan and Qayyum Ariffin Suhairi.
They will be led by head coach Michael Bocado, assisted by Poon Kok Sing.
The women’s MLBB squad was confirmed with NAVI MY sweeping the national qualifier to earn full roster rights.
Their line-up comprises Qurratul Ain Nurfarisha Nizam, Hanis Wahidah Dashuki, Afrina Balqis Ibdhi Har Ali, Nurul Effa Fauzana Fauzi and Nor Zulaikha Shahar under head coach Faris Badrul Zaman. – Bernama
