ISKANDAR PUTERI: The RM20mil allocation for e-sports announced in Budget 2025 will strengthen the sports ecosystem in the country, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said RM10mil will be used for building a dedicated e-sports stadium, while the remaining RM10mil will support training and other e-sports-related activities.
“We would like to thank Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for allocating RM20mil towards the development of Malaysia’s e-sports sector.
“Sarawak has actually conducted a proactive approach in e-sports education, specifically through the Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (Centexs),” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said this when met after launching the Season 14 of the Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) Malaysia at the Educity Sports Complex here yesterday.
He said Centexs had set up technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes focused exclusively on e-sports, aiming at equipping students with skills tailored to this growing industry.
“In addition to technical training, Centexs is offering courses in content creation, including the development of local e-sports content.
“Sarawak is also constructing a stadium exclusively for e-sports events, underscoring the state’s commitment to positioning itself at the forefront of this dynamic field.
“Johor might feel challenged as Sarawak has already taken these pioneering steps,” Ahmad Zahid said, adding that the Johor government should consider similar investments in e-sports infrastructure and training.
He also said e-sports had the potential to evolve beyond traditional indoor gaming, emphasising that content creators in this field could significantly impact the industry.
“This is a sport that deserves more promotion and expansion. In the future, content creators can generate substantial economic benefits for the industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the programme, Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia’s e-sports ecosystem was rapidly expanding with significant economic potential that all stakeholders should explore.
“Revenue from the industry is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.6%, rising from RM26.4mil in 2024 to RM54.5mil by 2030.
“Collaboration is essential to the industry’s success. For e-sports to thrive, a united effort is needed from stakeholders at both the local and international levels.
“As chairman of National Sports Development, I see partnerships between the Federal Government, the Johor government and private entities, such as Moonton Games and MPL MY, as crucial to advancing the e-sports industry,” he said.
He said such collaborations could strengthen the government’s efforts to develop this sector while bringing together players and fans from across Malaysia.
Ahmad Zahid also said the potential for Malaysia’s electronic sports industry was vast, particularly with the support of specialised TVET programmes aimed at honing local talent.
