KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) is deeply concerned over the recent desecration of the Jalur Gemilang in two separate incidents within the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) community.
Its deputy minister, Adam Adli Abd Halim, said that such actions are unacceptable, as the Jalur Gemilang symbolises national pride and must be treated with utmost respect.
"We acknowledge the public apology from Michael "MobaZane" Cosgun and commend Moonton and the Malaysian Esports Federation (MESF) for addressing these matters swiftly and professionally.
"We trust that Moonton will take necessary measures to ensure such incidents do not recur," he said in a statement today.
Adam stated that the country should prioritise unity and support its esports players as they prepare for the upcoming M6 World Championships, which will begin with the wildcard stage at IOI Grand Exhibition and Convention Centre, in Putrajaya on Thursday.
"Together, we can celebrate esports while upholding the values of respect and sportsmanship.
"The ministry will continue to monitor this issue to safeguard the dignity of our national flag," he added.
On Sunday, the MESF issued a statement demanding an apology from BloodThirstyKings player Cosgun after he uploaded an Instagram Story to his account with the word "noob" above a picture of the Jalur Gemilang.
In gaming, "noob" is a derogatory term mocking inexperienced players.
This led to huge outrage in the Malaysian community, and the 23-year-old American ended up deleting the post and later apologised.
The second incident involved a post on MLBB Professional League Indonesia's Instagram account, which used a graphic of Malaysia's flag with only 11 stripes.
Timesport has reached out to Moonton - the developers of MLBB - for comment but has yet to receive a response.