THE Youth and Sports Ministry is refining measures to introduce e-sports as part of sports activities in schools, said its minister Hannah Yeoh.

Yeoh however said this is still an early suggestion, and any move needs to consider the potential of e-sports development in education institutions.

“I understand that with e-sports being gazetted as one of the 103 sports (recognised by the ministry), there are discussions at the grassroots level for small e-sports tournaments to be held in schools.

“The inclusion of e-sports as a sport is an important recognition, but we cannot ensure this sport will make it to all schools because not all schools are enthusiastic about e-sports,” she said.

She said this at the launch of the National E-Sports Development Guidelines (Nesdeg) at ESI Hub in Puchong today.

Hannah said the ministry will intensify the introduction of e-sports in the country by hosting tournaments, after it was confirmed e-sports would make its debut at the 2024 Malaysia Games in Sarawak.

The Nesdeg was officially launched as a guide for all stakeholders to foster effective governance, preserve rights and assign responsibility in the e-sports industry.

The six main thrusts under the Nesdeg are – the management of player contracts, the governance and management of e-sports events, the monitoring and protection of children, a code of conduct and ethics, guidance on e-sports career paths, the application of sports science and medicine in e-sports. – Bernama, June 20, 2023.