Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has stated that the ministry plans to introduce measures to support the safe growth of esports in the country. 

During Question Time, Yeoh responded to several queries relating to how the ministry (KBS) plans to manage esports going forward. 

She said KBS will work with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to promote esports in the country. Yeoh posted a video of the session in parliament on her Facebook page, where she stressed that “Parental control and guidance are extremely crucial so that interest in esports can be managed in a balanced manner.”

However, she said discussions have been ongoing and that, “Starting next year, the MOE will evaluate and provide support for the organisation of esports competitions by external agencies involving students for the purpose of recognising Physical Activity, Sports and Co-Curricular Assessment scores.”

She stressed that only certain esports titles will be promoted, adding, “This support will only be given to organisers who use game titles that have been approved based on the list issued by the game title assessment committee.”

Esports has grown in popularity in Malaysia, with MPL Malaysia reaching a peak viewership of 870,000 last season. There has been discussion about creating a franchised esports league in the future, following the footsteps of Indonesia and the Philippines.

New Bill Will Target Corruption In Esports

Yeoh also stated that the ministry plans to introduce a bill that will enhance the powers of the Sports Commissioner to combat corruption in esports. 

When asked how KBS plans to curb the risk of fraud and corruption in the country’s esports scene, she said, “We expect amendments to the Sports Development Act; our target is to table it next year so that we can close all the existing loopholes.” 

Earlier in 2025, MLP Singapore was rocked by a match-fixing scandal, with team Everlasting Luv suspended. Yeoh hopes adding safeguards will protect MLP Malaysia from a similar scandal. 

She added, “The KBS, through the National Sports Council and Impact, have provided input, including submitting the National Esports Development Guidelines (NESDEG) as the main reference document the draft e-sports guidelines by the MOE.”

Asia Promoting Esports While Targeting Online Gambling

The promise to promote esports through government initiatives is a growing trend across Asia. Earlier this year, India passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, which aims to promote the development of esports in the country. 

At the same time, the bill strictly prohibits online gambling. Prime Minister Modi stated that he aims for India to lead the online gaming market. But he stressed that the promotion of esports should not include the promotion of gambling. 

He stated, “Gaming is not bad, but gambling is… the future of our youth must be safeguarded.”

In a similar vein, Yeoh said Malaysia wishes to fuel the growth of esports while protecting young gamers. She added, “The KBS and MOE will continue discussions to support the growth of esports while ensuring students’ interests are safeguarded. Don’t worry, we will ensure that student participation is well protected.”

Online gambling is forbidden in Malaysia, although many residents are believed to gamble on offshore sites. Since 2022, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has blocked over 15,000 gambling URLs. Together with the police, the MCMC also regularly shuts down cyber-cafés hosting offshore betting accounts.