THE state government stays committed to developing sports as a new economy industry in line with the Sports Industry Plan.
According to Daniel Gooi (PH-Padang Lalang), the plan was initiated by the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) and is set to be implemented by the ministry in the near future.
“The plan will outline strategic steps and initiatives aimed at benefiting the sports industry and bolstering the economy, as decided by the Sports Development Cabinet Committee during their meeting on April 18, 2024.
“The state government always welcomes cooperation from all interested parties for investment proposals with the potential to expand the country’s sports sector.
“This will benefit the state and Malaysia as a whole,” Gooi said during the State Legislative Assembly today.
Gooi added that the state government is currently focusing on the Penang Unity Manifesto 2023 and the Penang2030 vision, which is based on 16 core principles.
In addition, Gooi shared that the sports industry made significant contributions to the country’s economy, amounting to RM17.5 billion in 2021, and in 2022, which increased to RM19.6 billion in 2022.
“However, the contributions of the sports industry are often overlooked by those of other sectors.
“At the ministry level, a study is being conducted to develop a comprehensive plan to determine the exact contributions made by the sports industry,” he added.
Gooi also highlighted the potential of developing e-sports and its academies in the state, noting that it could provide a significant boost to the semiconductor industry as well as the service industry.
“There are plans underway to establish an e-sports academy at the stadium in Jalan Betek in Bukit Mertajam. This initiative could also have a positive impact on other industries, such as the F&B businesses.
“We have to look into the suitability of the location. Currently, we already have an e-sports academy in Komtar,” Gooi said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter