Kota kinabalu: The eSports competition held in conjunction with the 2025 National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day (HPPNK) at the Sabah International Convention Centre here received an extraordinary response, particularly among the younger generation. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said 43 teams, involving 258 young participants statewide, are taking part in the three-day eSports competition, which began today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this is the second series of the HPPNK eSports competition after the first one in Ipoh, Perak, during the 2023 edition of the event. The main objective of organizing the competition is to engage young people and attract them to the HPPNK. Although this is considered a side event, it has successfully attracted youngsters to join the activities at HPPNK, Arthur stated during the launch of the eSports 2.0 NAFAS-NEKMAT.

Also attending the event were Farmers' Organisation Authority (LPP) chairman Datuk Mahfuz Omar, National Farmers' Organisation (NAFAS) chief administrator Mohd Faizal Jakir, NAFAS general manager Muhammad Faris Arriffin, and National Fishermen's Association (NEKMAT) general manager Azrin Shah Ismail.

Arthur emphasized that eSports is part of the Agro Millenia Segment at HPPNK. Participants can enjoy various facilities filled with exhibitions and sales offers. The Agro Millenia Segment not only includes the eSports competition but also features exhibitions showcasing technologies and information to attract more young participants.

The eSports competition offers a total prize money of RM10,000, with winners receiving cash, participation certificates, and special eSports t-shirts. In addition to the Mobile Legends competition, the eSports stage at Level 2 of the Kinabatangan Hall at SICC offers an interactive space for games like PlayStation 5 (PS5), Virtual Reality, and Arcade.