The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) has given its full support for the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ new guidelines that address violent content and safety concerns in Malaysia’s fast-growing esports ecosystem.
The guidelines aim to regulate esports more comprehensively, as reported by local media BusinessToday. As Malaysia’s media content regulator, CMCF sets and enforces industry standards. Additionally, CMCF has described the initiative as timely due to the sector’s rapid expansion and its responsibility to promote healthier digital experiences for young players.
Malaysia’s esports market reflects this momentum. In 2023, it was valued at about $200 million, while the broader esports and game streaming market reached $1.62 billion in 2024. Stella Market Research reported that Malaysia’s esports segment alone was worth $6.86 million in 2024, with revenues projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.6 percent, reaching nearly $17.74 million by 2032. Meanwhile, Mobility Foresights estimated that combined gaming and esports revenues could hit $12.9 billion by 2032, driven by mobile adoption, streaming platforms, and professional leagues.
Streamlining industry development
CMCF also highlighted that the guidelines will help streamline industry growth by embedding responsible content standards. As reported by several media outlets, the country’s large youth demographic, affordability, and widespread mobile gaming adoption are behind this exponential demand.
In addition, sponsorships and franchised teams further boost visibility, making esports increasingly mainstream. Market projections underscore this trajectory. They are valued at RM1.6 billion ($340 million) last year. Meanwhile, the industry is expected to reach RM20.9 billion ($5.35 billion) by 2030.
Stakeholder engagement and safety priorities
The country’s gaming scene is diverse, with mobile, PC, and console platforms all enjoying strong popularity. Some of the popular gaming platforms in Malaysia include Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Roblox, and Clash of Clans, among others.
During a recent stakeholder engagement, the CEO of CMCF, Mediha Mahmood, revealed that the forum convened gaming platforms, developers, player communities, and child safety experts to address emerging challenges.
She stressed that user protection, community behaviour, and healthy digital experiences are interconnected issues that must be tackled collectively.
Drafting the gaming sub-code
Originally introduced in 2004, the Content Code serves as a guideline for self-regulation in the communications and multimedia industry. Its latest edition, released in 2022 with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), sets ethical standards for responsible content dissemination.
Furthermore, the CMCF is drafting a preliminary Gaming Sub-Code under the Content Code. It will provide risk-based guidelines covering child protection, responsible game design, community conduct, and clearer content standards across digital gaming and esports activities.
CMCF underscored that the ministry’s regulatory efforts, combined with industry-led standards through the Gaming Sub-Code, will serve as complementary measures to ensure a safer, more sustainable esports ecosystem in Malaysia.
Comparative approaches to online regulation
When compared to other countries, Malaysia blends self-regulation with government oversight, aiming to balance responsibility with flexibility. But for the Singapore ESport Association (SGEA), for instance, it prioritises industry development and professional pathways. Regulation is framed as government-backed but growth-focused, encouraging innovation while maintaining standards.
In contrast, China enforces rules through government agencies, focusing heavily on youth gaming limits and censorship. Its model is highly restrictive, prioritising control and compliance over industry expansion.
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