A new esports initiative is set to be established in Malaysia ©Malaysia Sports Ministry

A new esports organisation in Malaysia is set to be created as part of an initiative between the country's Sports Ministry and the Impact Integrated company.

The Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports said it would try to capitalise on the growth of esports in the country through the Esports Integrated (ESI) initiative.

Establishing a platform to manage and centralise the esports ecosystem, which will include an online tournament engine, is among the first tasks for the ESI.

The ESI is also expected to form a Malaysia Esports Circuit and hold a conference and summit series dedicated to esports in the country.

Those behind the initiative are hoping to capitalise on the growth of esports in Malaysia ©Getty Images
Those behind the initiative are hoping to capitalise on the growth of esports in Malaysia ©Getty Images

"We are proud to work together with ESI to build the national esports roadmap, catalysing the growth of the esports industry in Malaysia," said Malaysian Sports Minister Reezal Merican bin Naina Merican.

"With the rise of esports in the region, these initiatives will not only create opportunities to upskill our youth but also provide a platform to develop and improve the esports industry in the country."

Impact Integrated, a multi-faceted company which acts as a social impact agency, digital media and traditional radio platform, among others, welcomed the partnership with the Sports Ministry.

"We are proud to support the nation in building the esports industry," Impact Integrated chief executive Ahmed Faris Amir said.

"ESI’s vision is to create a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem that enables growth, ensures protection and fosters diversity for Esports players of all levels in Malaysia."