By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Nov 15 – Selangor will transform Carlton Hotel into an esports hub with a RM1 million investment, aiming to host international and regional tournaments, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari announced today.
Speaking at the Selangor state budget 2025 tabling, Amirudin said the initiative was inspired by the Selangor Red Giants’ recent 4-2 victory over Falcons AP Bren Sport in the 2024 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament.
“The Red Giants’ success has elevated Selangor’s standing in the esports world. We must now build a comprehensive ecosystem to nurture our young talents,” he told the state legislative assembly.
In a broader sports development push, the state government will invest RM6 million through the Selangor Sports Council (MSNS) to develop high-calibre athletes, with an eye on hosting Sukma 2026.
The state will also launch new sporting initiatives, including the Selangor Pickleball Festival, featuring an international championship alongside school and district-level competitions. Local authorities will convert outdoor badminton courts in public parks to accommodate the growing sport.
“We aim to be the first state to introduce pickleball at Sukma 2026,” Amirudin said.
Separately, the state will allocate RM1 million to host the inaugural Selangor Coffee Festival (Selcof) in 2025, which will feature the Asean Barista Championships.
The event aims to promote sustainable coffee practices and showcase regional barista talent.
A total of RM3 billion is allocated for the 2025 Selangor Budget, an increase of RM470 million compared to this year’s budget.
Themed ‘A Dynamic Selangor: An Ideal Quest for a Civil Malaysia,’ the state budget has five main thrusts, namely Artificial Intelligence and Education as a Catalyst for State Economic Development, Uplifting an Aspiration of a Sustainable Environment and Quality Infrastructure, Promoting a Compassionate State, Championing an Efficient and Responsible System of Government, and Breathing New Life into the Creative Economy and Developing the Next Generation.
