Youth and Sports Ministry to table amendments to Sports Development Act 1997 next year, strengthening sports integrity and commissioner powers
KUALA LUMPUR: Amendments to the Sports Development Act 1997 are expected to be tabled in Parliament next year.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the ministry is holding roundtable discussions with stakeholders to make the legislation more effective.
“We expect amendments to the Sports Development Act, our target is to table it next year so that we can close all the existing loopholes,” she told the Dewan Rakyat.
She was responding to Nurul Amin Hamid (PN-Padang Terap), who inquired about enhancing legal powers to combat fraud and corruption in e-sports.
Yeoh confirmed the amendments would include provisions on sports integrity and strengthen the Sports Commissioner and Minister’s powers.
The ministry also regularly consults with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission regarding corruption issues in sports.
Responding to Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jelebu) about promoting e-sports in schools, Yeoh stated the ministry maintains a conservative policy.
“For athletes representing Malaysia, the ministry will definitely provide support,” she said.
“However, as for the promotion of e-sports at the school level, the ministry’s policy remains conservative.”
She expressed concern about gadget addiction and excessive usage among students, emphasising the importance of parental guidance.
Neither the Youth and Sports Ministry nor the Education Ministry actively promotes e-sports in schools currently.
However, engagement sessions have been held with the Education Ministry through its Sports, Co-Curricular and Arts Division.
A proposal paper and draft guidelines have been prepared for implementing e-sports in schools.
Starting next year, the Education Ministry will evaluate and support e-sports competitions organised by external agencies involving students.
This support will contribute to students’ Physical Activity, Sports and Co-Curricular Assessment scores.
Approval will only be granted to organisers using game titles from an approved list assessed by a special committee.
The committee includes the Counselling Psychology unit from the Health Ministry to ensure appropriate content.
The Youth and Sports Ministry provided input through the National Sports Council and Impact organisation.
They submitted the National Esports Development Guidelines as the main reference document for the draft guidelines.
Both ministries will continue discussions to support e-sports growth while safeguarding student interests.
“Don’t worry, we will ensure that student participation is well protected,” Yeoh assured. – Bernama
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