THE Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has found that the number of young Malaysians involved in online gambling is “quite high”, according to Minister Hannah Yeoh.
Yeoh said the matter was under close attention by her ministry.
“With regard to illegal online gambling involving youths, the figure is indeed high, although I do not have the data at hand. However, I want to assure you that this issue is being discussed between KBS and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC),” she told the Dewan Rakyat during the question-and-answer session on Monday.
She was responding to an additional question from Nurul Amin Hamid (PN–Padang Terap), who asked whether KBS intended to strengthen the legal powers under the Sports Development Act 1997 to curb fraud and corruption in e-sports, given the lucrative nature of the industry, where prize pools can reach millions of ringgit.
Yeoh said KBS was reviewing enforcement provisions within the Act and holding roundtable discussions with stakeholders to determine how to amend the law to make it more effective and to enhance the powers of both the Sports Commissioner and the Minister.
Touching on concerns that promoting e-sports in schools might worsen gadget addiction among students, Yeoh explained that the ministry maintains a cautious stance.
“For now, gadget addiction and excessive use among students remain a concern. Parental control and guidance are vital so that interest in e-sports can be managed in a balanced way. At present, neither KBS nor the Ministry of Education (MoE) is actively promoting e-sports in schools,” she said.
However, Yeoh noted that engagement sessions have been held between KBS and MoE through the Sports, Co-curriculum and Arts Division, which have resulted in the preparation of a proposal paper and draft guidelines for implementing e-sports in schools.
“Starting next year, the MoE will assess and provide support to e-sports tournaments organised by external agencies that involve students, for the purpose of recognition under physical activity, sports and co-curricular assessments.
“This support will only be given to organisers that use game titles approved by the Game Title Evaluation Committee,” she added. - November 10, 2025
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