Prime Minister Najib Razak said this was in line with the development of the industry, involving the younger generation. This could be a source of income and also fit in with their new lifestyle.
“I was told that cyber games will feature at the Asian Games in Indonesia this year. Perhaps, this sport can be accepted at the Olympics.
“Embracing it as a new industry will promise a variety of opportunities, and not just entertainment and lifestyle.
“However, we must prepare our people to become the generators, suppliers and active players in cyber games,” he said when speaking at the launch of Malaysia Cyber Games 2018 (MCG18) at Putra World Trade Centre here today.
Present were Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak, Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) founder Danny Ooi and Kelab Suara Anak Muda 1Malaysia president Armand Azha Abu Hanifah.
Najib said the government was aware of the needs and desires of youths and will help support efforts to diversify e-sports programmes across the country.
“We need to embrace the change in the digital economy and the fourth revolution. This is the new lifestyle of young people.
“The government must be youth-oriented, based on future needs and undergo change.
“We must be a government that cares and understands young people, their language and serve their needs and aspirations.”
He supported Armand Azha’s suggestion that Malaysia Cyber Games (MCG) be recognised as an association representing e-games in this country.
At the event, Najib witnessed MCG18’s recognition by the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest video game in the country by hosting nine video games and with the participation of 2,062 players.
MCG18 is organised by Suara Anak Muda 1Malaysia and Briged Kesatria and offers RM300,000 in prizes.
In the tournament, which started yesterday, the players have to fight in nine popular video games for two days.
The video games are Counter Strike GO, Dota 2, FIFA 2018, Street Fighter, Mobile Legends, Tekken 7, Player Unknown Battleground, Justice League 2 and F1 2017 Racing.