ISKANDAR PUTERI — A total of RM10 million from the RM20 million allocated for the development of the e-sports ecosystem under Budget 2025 will be dedicated to constructing a new e-sports stadium.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that this new facility aims to support and promote the future growth of the e-sports industry.
“We would like to thank Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for announcing an allocation of RM20 million for e-sports when tabling the budget (on October 18).
“Of that amount, RM10 million will be allocated for the construction of a dedicated e-sports stadium, while the remaining funds will be used for training and other activities related to e-sports,” he told reporters after attending the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Malaysia Professional League (MPLMY) Finals at EduCity Sports Complex here today.
Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
During the Budget 2025 presentation in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening the e-sports ecosystem, which includes talent development and upgrading e-sports arenas.
Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, praised Sarawak for establishing the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs), which focuses on the development of the e-sports industry.
He urged Johor to emulate Sarawak’s initiatives, noting that e-sports is not just an indoor gaming activity but also a potential source of income.
“All parties need to capitalise on the expanding e-sports ecosystem, which is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6%,” he said.
“The e-sports industry has vast growth potential through specialised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, encompassing skills such as journalism, commentary, broadcasting production, team management, coaching, event organisation, and technical work,” he added.
Earlier, the MPLMY finals, featuring Vamos (VMS) against Selangor Red Giants (SRG), drew more than 2,000 spectators. — November 3, 2024