By Sagar V. Mankar The Malaysian government has unveiled a significant financial commitment to boost its Esports industry. According to the state-run news agency Bernama, the government has pledged $4.58 million specifically for Esports development.
This investment is part of a larger sports development initiative under the Malaysia Madani Budget 2025, which has set aside a total of $51.1 million for various sports programs. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced this comprehensive plan, which includes support for traditional sports like football, cricket, and badminton, as well as paralympic activities.
The Esports portion of the budget will focus on several key areas. First, it aims to improve the infrastructure needed for gaming competitions and training. Second, it will support talent development programs to help nurture the next generation of professional gamers. Third, it will strengthen the grassroots ecosystem to ensure a steady pipeline of new talent. Additionally, the funding will help create viable career paths in the Esports industry.
Additionally, the budget is expected to benefit not only players but also those involved behind the scenes. There will be support for coaches, desk hosts, and other essential staff that help the Esports industry thrive. Furthermore, plans are underway to establish a national Esports center. This facility will provide teams and players with a dedicated space for organizing boot camps, hosting events, and accessing professional production facilities, which will be essential for elevating the quality of Esports in the country
Malaysia plays a crucial role in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Esports scene, with a strong presence in popular games like PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), and Free Fire. The country’s MLBB league, MPL Malaysia, has already garnered substantial attention, attracting over 630,000 peak viewers in its most recent season. Additionally, Malaysia has hosted prominent Esports events, such as the PUBG Global Series 2023, and will be the venue for the upcoming PUBG Global Championship and M6 World Championship.
This new investment signifies Malaysia’s growing ambition to establish itself as a key player in the global Esports industry, and the government’s support is likely to drive further growth and success in the sector.