Beliawanis Mca Collective Action Required To Curb E Sports Gambling Gadget Addiction Among Youth

---

 
AN MCA leader has expressed concern over the alarming rise of online gambling and gadget addiction among youth and emphasised the urgent need for collective and coordinated action.
The party’s Beliawanis wing chairperson Ivone Low Yi Wen said while e-sports provide opportunities for skill development, teamwork and technological innovation, unregulated exposure, over-indulgence and lack of guidance can result with unhealthy gaming habits and, in some cases, gambling-related risks while even driving some youths towards loan sharks.
To ensure a balanced and responsible approach in addressing e-sports gambling addiction while promoting healthier lifestyles among teenagers and young adults, Low stressed that awareness must form the foundation of prevention.
“Targeted campaigns in schools and communities should highlight the dangers of online gambling and excessive gaming,” she asserted.
“Digital wellness and responsible gaming principles should be integrated into youth development programmes to build resilience and self-control.
“Exposing youths to real-life experiences of former e-gamers affected by addiction can also help them understand the real consequences of unbalanced digital habits.”

Low was responding to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh who had revealed during the oral question session in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday (Nov 10) that the number of youths in the country involved in online gambling activities is relatively high.
Meanwhile, Low noted that parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s digital behaviours and need to be equipped with tools to monitor online activity, set healthy screen-time limits and foster open communication about online safety, gaming content and responsible device use.
“Informed and involved parents can guide youths toward safer and more balanced digital engagement,” she continued.
“The government should also ensure that the Game Title Evaluation Committee only approves age-appropriate and non-exploitative e-sports titles within educational contexts.
“Stronger oversight is needed to monitor and restrict unregulated or gambling-linked platforms that expose youths to exploitative or addictive environments.”
Low went on to call for schools, communities and youth organisations to collaborate to organise regular sports days, outdoor challenges, recreational activities and fitness events to restore balance in young lives.
She said such exercises enhance teamwork, healthy living, discipline and well-being while reducing reliance on screen-based entertainment.
In addition, Low pointed out that accessible counselling and helplines must be made available for youths at risk of gaming or gambling addiction.
“Collaboration with mental health professionals, educators and NGOs is crucial to ensure early intervention and coordinated support that helps affected individuals regain control and rebuild balance,” she remarked.
“Technology and e-sports are integral to modern youth culture, but balance and boundaries remain essential.
“Beliawanis MCA reaffirms our commitment to supporting government and community initiatives that promote responsible gaming and to encouraging youth participation in outdoor, creative and physically active pursuits.” ‒  Focus Malaysia

---