Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir signs a commemorative board during the launch of the Cup of Championship DSN Libaran Mobile Legends Bang Bang Tournament at Aisyadelia Cottage, Sandakan.
KOTA KINABALU: Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir has called for greater investment in Sabah’s e-sports scene, saying the state has immense potential to develop professional players who can compete at Sukma and the SEA Games.
Speaking at the launch of the Cup of Championship DSN Libaran Mobile Legends Bang Bang Tournament at Aisyadelia Cottage, Sandakan, on Friday (Feb 21), he highlighted the rapid rise of e-sports and its growing significance on the international stage, with Malaysia set to host the upcoming SEA Games.
"E-sports is no longer just entertainment — it is a rapidly growing competitive arena with the potential to put Malaysia on the world stage.
"With Mobile Legends and PUBG set to be featured in the SEA Games, we must take this opportunity to nurture Sabah’s best players.
"Tournaments like this are crucial in identifying young talent, developing them, and ensuring that Sabah becomes a powerhouse in Malaysian e-sports," he said.
His remarks come after the Youth and Sports Ministry announced new initiatives in March 2024 to strengthen the country’s e-sports sector.
This includes the introduction of the National Esports Development Guidelines (NESDEG) to create a safer and more structured competitive environment.
The ministry also aims to position Malaysia as a hub for international e-sports tournaments, recognising its potential to drive economic growth and create career opportunities for youth.
Suhaimi expressed hope that with more tournaments like this being organised, Sabah will eventually produce professional e-sports players capable of competing at national and international levels.
With a staggering 100 teams competing in person, the tournament has set a new benchmark as Sabah’s largest-e-sports event so far.
Teams from all across Sabah, including Kota Kinabalu and Kinabatangan, have gathered in Sandakan, reflecting the increasing popularity of competitive gaming.
Some institutions are also recognising the importance of e-sports as a serious competition.
The Malaysian Technical Skills Academy (MTSA) even conducted a screening process before selecting two teams to represent the college in the tournament.
Although PUBG is also a widely played e-sport in Malaysia, organisers chose Mobile Legends for this tournament as they believe it attracts more youth players.
Their goal is to create a platform that encourages young talent to explore e-sports competitively while fostering a growing gaming community in Sabah.
The Cup of Championship DSN Libaran Mobile Legends Bang Bang Tournament also boasts the highest prize pool ever offered in an e-sports competition in Sabah, with RM15,000 in total prize money.
The champion team will walk away with RM3,500, while second, third, and fourth-place winners will receive RM2,500, RM1,500, and RM750, respectively.
The competition will culminate in the grand finals on Feb 23, where the final 32 teams will battle for the championship title.
Adding to the excitement, six social media influencers who are also professional e-sports players with past international victories will be present at the event, further inspiring local gamers and showcasing the potential of e-sports as a serious career path.
Organisers expressed their gratitude to all sponsors who contributed to making the event possible, including Datuk Suhaimi, who provided significant support in terms of funding, venue, and facilities.
Sandakan Creative Arts and Local Musicians Association chairman Muhammad Firdaus Shaharom, who also serves as the programme coordinator, said the tournament’s record-breaking participation shows the growing enthusiasm for e-sports in the state.
"This is the most in-person participation ever recorded in Sabah. We aim to nurture young talent and push Sabah’s e-sports industry forward, not just at the state level but also nationally and internationally," he said.
With RM15,000 in total prize money up for grabs, teams are competing fiercely for the RM3,500 grand prize. More than just cash rewards, the tournament serves as a crucial stepping stone for players looking to establish themselves in the professional gaming scene.
Suhaimi had previously expressed strong support for positioning Sandakan as a key e-sports hub under the Youth and Sports Ministry, should the tournament receive strong participation.
As e-sports continues to grow globally, events like this could be the catalyst for Sabah to emerge as a recognised force in the competitive gaming world, paving the way for local talents to shine on international stages.
