Malaysia to develop esports guidelines as regulator expresses support

Malaysia moves to introduce official guidelines for sports as concerns grow about online behavior and youth exposure to harmful content.

For the world Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed earlier this week that it is working with the Ministry of Digital to review and refine the regulatory framework for competitive gaming in the country.

The move follows warnings from authorities that online interactions, particularly through in-game chat systems, may expose young players to dangerous or violent content. Meanwhile, the Communication and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia supported the initiative, describing it as timely in the country’s fast-growing sports sector.

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

He explained that an executive committee responsible for the control of violence has been established and is led by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Rural and Regional Development.

According to him, the first signs show that destructive behavior often starts in an online chat while playing. He noted that religious fanatics can slowly enter the conversation and begin to influence younger players who may see such behavior as normal.

Additionally, the department works with the Department of Digital and the Department of Education to ensure that esports is always right and educational. However, he emphasized that proper guidelines are needed so that the ecosystem does not deviate from its original purpose.

As an immediate step, the Ministry of National Youth and Sports is already running programs aimed at preventing aggressive behavior from spilling over into real life. Officials believe that formal oversight will help protect children while allowing the industry to grow responsibly.

In a statement issued on February 26, 2026, the Malaysian Social Media Content Forum welcomed the department’s decision.

The forum said the proposed guidelines are important in dealing with violent incidents and improving safety standards in all competitive sports.

Mediha Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer of CMCF, revealed that interactions with stakeholders including platforms, developers, player communities, and child safety experts have shown that user protection and social behavior are closely linked.

Mahmood added: “Our discussions highlighted that user protection, social behavior and a healthy digital experience are deeply interconnected.
especially since sports and games are being broadcast more and more.”

Notably, the CMCF is developing a gaming sub-code under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Code. The document will include child protection, responsible game design, and clear ethical standards.

Meanwhile, the platform opened its Public Feedback Exercise 2026 titled “Have Your Say: Let’s Talk About Online Gaming,” submissions close on April 1, 2026.