By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Nov 16 — The RM1 million allocation under the 2025 Selangor Budget for the development of esports is proof that the state government is making significant strides to position itself as a leader in the industry.
Selangor State Sports Council (MSNS) executive director Nizam Marjungi lauded the state for showing greater recognition of esports as a serious and viable sporting avenue, including plans to transform Carlton Hotel in Section 13, here, into an esports hub.
“For esports, discussions began about three years ago, but the government now seems to be taking it more seriously.
“With Malaysia’s recent success in esports, where three of the winning athletes were from SRG (Selangor Red Giants team), it is evident that esports is becoming an essential sport to develop,” he said, referring to the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Malaysia Team that won the IESF World Esports Championship 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia yesterday.
“We are grateful to the state for recognising this, and we hope to further enhance efforts to elevate esports as a key sport, while making good use of the Carlton Hotel.”
Nizam was speaking to Media Selangor at an event celebrating the debut of Thai sportswear brand Warrix in Malaysia via the opening of its concept store at Central i-City, here, today.
Yesterday, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari announced plans to convert the existing Carlton Hotel into an esports hub, after being inspired by SRG’s victory over Falcons AP Bren Sport in the 2024 MLBB tournament in July.
The RM1 million investment aims to establish Selangor as a hub for international and regional esports tournaments.
Separately, Nizam said the RM6 million allocation in the 2025 state budget for sports development will be distributed among 28 associations representing sports that have been approved for the Malaysia Games (Sukma).
The funds are aimed at nurturing high-calibre athletes, with a particular focus on Selangor’s preparations to host Sukma 2026.
On the state’s plan to include pickleball in Sukma 2026, Nizam said the MSNS would continue discussions with the Sukma Supreme Committee to onboard the sport.
Earlier at the event, Warrix chief operating officer Sujeeporn Setthaphinyo presented a mock cheque to Nizam, symbolising the brand’s sponsorship of goods valued at RM10,000 for the MSNS.
