By Media Selangor Team
SHAH ALAM, Feb 12 — Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is collaborating with the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) to refine the licensing framework for e-sports centres, as no uniform coordination mechanism currently exists between the ministry and local authorities nationwide.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said KBS, through its agency Impact Integrated, had been invited to a discussion session with MBPJ on matters related to e-sports centre licensing.
“KBS is always open to collaborating and engaging with local authorities and relevant agencies to strengthen licensing aspects of e-sports centres.
“KBS, through Impact Integrated, was invited to a discussion with MBPJ on matters such as licence renewal procedures, approval of operating hours, and the status of centres currently operating within MBPJ’s administrative area.
“This reflects KBS’s readiness to support efforts to standardise best licensing practices for e-sports centres in the future, without affecting the jurisdiction of local authorities,” he said in a Parliamentary written reply dated February 11.
Dr Taufiq was responding to a question from Temerloh MP Salamiah Modh Nor on how KBS coordinates with local authorities and other agencies to ensure uniform licensing of e-sports centres nationwide, and whether the ministry plans to introduce a dedicated Act or regulatory framework for the industry.
He also noted that licensing powers for premises, including e-sports centres, fall under the jurisdiction of local authorities in line with the Local Government Act, resulting in differing requirements across districts.
Meanwhile, Dr Taufiq said the ministry does not intend to draft new legislation at this stage. However, amendments to the Sports Development Act 1997 (Act 576), expected to be tabled mid-year, will focus on strengthening sports governance.
He added that governance in e-sports will continue to be enhanced through policies, strategic plans, and guidelines developed inclusively with industry stakeholders, including the E-Sports Development Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and the National E-Sports Development Guidelines (NESDEG) introduced in 2023.
