The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) has expressed support for the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ initiative to develop dedicated guidelines to regulate esports, according to a report by local media outlet Business Today.
The proposed framework aims to address concerns over violent content and safety within Malaysia’s competitive gaming ecosystem.
The CMCF is Malaysia’s media content regulator responsible for setting and enforcing industry content standards.
The CMCF described the move as a timely step to support the continued growth of the country’s rapidly expanding esports sector while ensuring stronger safeguards for young players and promoting healthier digital experiences. The forum said the guidelines would help align industry development with responsible content standards as gaming and esports become more mainstream.
Mediha Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer of the CMCF, said recent stakeholder engagements organized by the Content Forum brought together gaming platforms, developers, player communities and child safety experts to discuss emerging challenges.
“Our discussions highlighted that user protection, community behavior and healthy digital experiences are deeply interconnected. These issues cannot be addressed in silos, particularly as gaming and esports become increasingly mainstream,” she said.
In parallel with the ministry’s policy development, the CMCF is drafting a Gaming Sub-Code under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Code. The proposed Sub-Code is intended to provide practical, risk-based guidance covering child protection, responsible game design, community conduct and clearer content standards across digital gaming and related esports activities.
The CMCF said it views the ministry’s regulatory efforts and the strengthening of industry-led content standards through the Gaming Sub-Code as complementary measures. Together, they are expected to contribute to a safer, more sustainable and more inclusive gaming ecosystem in Malaysia.
