Esports is a growing industry in Malaysia, with 1,429 Malaysian esports players having earned a total of USD17,490,806.09 (RM77,527,997.59) in prize money across 1,121 tournaments according to Esports Earnings.
For Budget 2022, the previous administration invested RM20 million into esports to develop and support up-and-coming players. Back in August 2022, ESL One championship was held in Genting Highlands where 12 of the world’s best teams duked it out in Dota 2 for a prize pool of USD400,000 (RM1,772,600.00). Esports are not new to Malaysia, hence they are now regarded on par with mainstream sports.
According to a Malay Mail news report, the Youth and Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh, announced that her ministry will not set aside a specific fund for esports in the upcoming Budget 2023 to be presented by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, on Friday.
She explained that esports is now considered mainstream and will be treated equally with other types of sports in the country. As a result, an allocation will be provided for esports annually, although the specific amount cannot be disclosed yet.
The decision on the exact amount to be allocated to the ministry’s budget will be made by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Finance Minister.
