Malaysia to develop esports guidelines as regulator expresses support

Malaysia is moving to introduce formal guidelines for esports as concerns grow over online behaviour and youth exposure to harmful content.

The country’s Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed earlier this week that it is working with the Digital Ministry to review and refine a structured framework for competitive gaming in the country.

The move follows authorities’ warnings that unchecked online interactions, especially through in-game chat systems, could expose young players to extremist or violent content. Meanwhile, the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia has backed the initiative, describing it as timely for the country’s fast-growing esports sector.

Speaking in a recent address, Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari noted that the government takes violence involving young people very seriously. 

He explained that a high-level committee on violence control has already been established and is chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister.

According to him, early signs show that harmful behaviour often starts from online chat while gaming. He noted that extremist elements can gradually enter conversations and begin influencing young players who may see such conduct as normal. 

Additionally, the ministry is collaborating with the Digital Ministry and the Ministry of Education to ensure esports remains positive and educational. However, he maintained that proper guidelines are needed so that the ecosystem does not drift away from its original purpose.

As a proactive step, the National Youth and Sports Department is already running programmes aimed at preventing aggressive behaviour from spilling into real life. Officials believe structured oversight will help protect minors while allowing the industry to grow responsibly.

In a statement released on February 26th, 2026, the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia welcomed the ministry’s decision. 

The forum said the proposed guidelines are important in addressing violent elements and improving safety standards across competitive gaming.

Mediha Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer of CMCF, stated that stakeholder engagements involving platforms, developers, player communities, and child safety experts showed that user protection and community behaviour are closely linked. 

Mahmood added: “Our discussions highlighted that user protection, community behaviour and healthy digital experiences are deeply interconnected. These issues cannot be addressed in silos,
particularly as gaming and esports become increasingly mainstream.”

Notably, CMCF is developing a gaming subcode under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Code. The document will cover child protection, responsible game design, and clearer conduct standards. 

Meanwhile, the forum has opened its Public Feedback Exercise 2026 titled “Have Your Say: Let’s Talk About Online Gaming,” with submissions closing April 1st, 2026.