Local authority staff from across the country battled for honours on gaming consoles at the World Cup edition of the Malaysian Association of Local Authorities (Mala) Sports Carnival in Penang.
Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Building Control director Ismathinoon Abdul Rahman led his team of 13 against 26 other council groups.
“Many do not realise that we have pro gamers in local councils.
“We held a pre-FIFA game to select participants for our team of 13.
“They comprised staff from MBPJ’s building, engineering, corporate and other departments,” he said at the Mala sports carnival 2026 at Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Baru.
Ismathinoon said incorporating e-sports into the carnival was a good move as many council staff were gamers.
“Mala has supported and encouraged us to try new sports over the years and this one is no different,” he said.
The three-day carnival brought together local authorities for its first e-sports competition.
Twenty-seven teams participated in EAFC26 and 12 in Tekken 8 for a combined prize pool of RM10,000.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) assistant architect Muhammad Hazwan Zaini, who led a team of 12, said they competed in a football simulation video game EAFC26 and Tekken 8.
“We held an internal tournament to select our players.
“This is the first time e-sports is included in Mala, and it is a good start for us to showcase our talent.
“We have representatives from various departments. Many are part of the e-sports community,” he said.
Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the tournament went beyond competitive gaming by strengthening ties among local authorities and promoting Penang as a sports tourism destination for Visit Malaysia 2026.
“We are delighted that Mala entrusted us to organise the EAFC26 and Tekken 8 competitions for Phase 3 of the sports carnival this year.
“This demonstrates that local authorities are prepared to embrace technological advancements and evolving trends,” he said in his speech.
Rajendran said the carnival could benefit Penang’s hospitality and food sectors while introducing participants from across Malaysia to local attractions.
State local government committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said the introduction of e-sports to the Mala calendar helped nurture digital talent.
He said e-sports could help develop technological literacy, strategic thinking, creativity, communication and teamwork.
Earlier phases were held in Raub, featuring darts and golf in Phase 1 followed by tug of war and badminton in Phase 2.
