KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 — The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has said it will collaborate with the Education Ministry to discuss the introduction of Esports in schools.

Its Minister Hannah Yeoh said that it will be introduced as part of co-curricular and club activity in schools as there are currently no existing programmes at the school level.

"KBS through the Electronic Sports Development Strategic Plan 2020-2025 has plans to create a special space for the development of Esports in schools, list Esports as part of co-curricular activities and establish Esports clubs in schools.

"These discussions will take place through the sports highest level committee meeting, which involves representatives from KBS, the Education Ministry, and the Ministry of Higher Education and will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi this month,” she said in a written Dewan Rakyat reply yesterday.

The Segambut MP was responding to a query from Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Abdullah (PN-Rompin) regarding the initiatives implemented to foster Esports at the school level.

She also said that in recognition of the growing significance of Esports, KBS has listed it as a recognised sport under the Sports Development Act which will provide various benefits including from the aspect of acceptance.

Yeoh added that KBS is in the final stages of launching the National Esports Development Guideline to address any negative perceptions surrounding Esports and ensure a safe environment for players under the age of 18.

"These guidelines are also part of efforts to increase the general public’s awareness of the esports ecosystem and best practices in Esports management.

"For this purpose, the ministry is planning to hold engagements to obtain feedback on the aspects of monitoring and protection of children, a code of conduct and ethics, as well as a career path framework in the sport,” she said.