HISTORY OF PAINTBALL IN MALAYSIA




The History of Paintball in Malaysia

Paintball in Malaysia began in the late 1990s. Former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, initially planned to introduce it in Langkawi as part of a War Games Simulation Centre—the first of its kind in Asia. However, due to a lack of expertise, equipment, and paintballs, the idea was shelved.

A feasibility study was later conducted by the PDRM Technical College in Bakri, Muar, Johor. According to the former college director, they carried out a technical study on paintball markers, though the specific types used at the time remain unclear—most likely pump-action markers rather than modern models like Ego or Dye.

Subsequently, the idea was passed to Berjaya Group to develop a paintball facility in Bukit Tinggi. There is some debate about whether Sutera Beach Resort or Bukit Tinggi hosted Malaysia’s first major paintball field. 

The next major development came with the opening of Xtion Paintball at Sunway Extreme Park (now relocated to Bukit Jalil). From there, paintball grew rapidly in Malaysia, with new fields emerging across the country.

The Rise of the Malaysian Paintball Association (MPA)

The Malaysian Paintball Association (MPA) was established in September 2003, just before the London Campaign Cup. It received partial sponsorship from Mr. Gan TC of Hovid, who later became a major sponsor of MPA tournaments.



Jentayu became the first Malaysian team to compete in an international paintball tournament.


Following Xtion Paintball’s success, the sport expanded with the establishment of:

  • Perlis Paintball World (Perlis)
  • NPNG (TAG Taman Desa)
  • A’Famosa Paintball (Melaka)

…and many more fields throughout Malaysia.


Key Milestones in Malaysian Paintball

Notable Achievements

  1. First Malaysian team to play internationally: Jentayu (MPA)
  2. First field to introduce electronic markers: Xtion Paintball — X Bruisers
  3. First marker banned from tournaments in Malaysia: X Bruiser
  4. First international paintball tournament in Malaysia: Nation Cup 2004 (Xtion Paintball/Galactec)
  5. First internationally recognized Malaysian paintball marshals: Malaysian Marshall team, led by Mr. Junaidi Kalil
  6. First Malaysian referee for the Millennium Series: Mr. Junaidi Kalil
  7. First indoor speedball field in Malaysia: NPNG Sports Centre, Sungai Buloh
  8. First tournament outside Klang Valley: Perlis 2004
  9. First paintball league in Malaysia (still running): Malaysian Paintball Official Circuit (MPOC)
  10. First state-level paintball association: Perlis Paintball Association
  11. First mobile paintball field with SupAir bunkers: Delta Paintball
  12. Most influential paintball team in Malaysia: Raskal



Major Paintball Tournaments in Malaysia

Malaysia has hosted numerous paintball tournaments over the years, attracting both local and international players.

Notable Paintball Tournaments

  1. Road to MPC (MPA) – Titiwangsa (Feb 2004)
  2. Road to MPC (MPA) – Kangar, Perlis (March 2004)
  3. Road to MPC (MPA) – Shah Alam (April 2004)
  4. KL Open (MPA) – Kuala Lumpur (July 2004)
  5. Perlis Paintball Tournament – Perlis (July 2004)
  6. Sintok Super 5 – UUM, Kedah (Sept 2004)
  7. Ampang Super 5 – Ampang, Selangor (Oct 2004)
  8. Nation Cup 2004 – Organized by Galactec/Xtion Paintball (Dec 2004)
  9. MPOC – Established in 2005 and continues to this day
  10. Malaysian Paintball Championship 2005 – TT Sport/Skirmish
  11. Summit 3-on-3 (2005) – Delta Paintball
  12. 2nd Asia Cup 2005 – Skirmish Paintball Asia & Delta Paintball
  13. National Paintball League (MNPL) – Launched in late 2005, still running
  14. APPC – Two series before PALS
  15. 3rd Asia Cup – Skirmish/Xtion Paintball
  16. World Cup Asia – 2006, 2007, 2008
  17. Werdna Holz 3-on-3 – Organized by Werdna Holz
  18. Piala Dato Azalina (MPA/KBS) – 2006
  19. Eagle Ranch Paintball Tournament – 2006/2007, organized by Paintball United/Bumiball
  20. Malaysia Super 7 (MAPAAC/Tactical Action) – 2008
  21. Tanamera 10-on-10 Scenario Paintball Tournament
  22. NPPL Asia 2008 – Organized by MPA, Tourism Malaysia & NPPL
  23. International Super Seven (2009) – Organized by Kelab Paintball Nemesis/MAPAAC
  24. Malaysia Eco Paintball Challenge (2009) – Organized by MPA, Delta Paintball & Tourism Malaysia


Conclusion

Paintball in Malaysia has grown tremendously since its inception in the 1990s. From its early days in Langkawi to becoming a recognized sport with national leagues and international participation, the journey has been marked by dedication, innovation, and the passion of players, organizers, and supporters. With ongoing tournaments and continued interest, Malaysian paintball is set to thrive in the years to come.




Paintball was introduced to Malaysia in the late 1990s, initially as a recreational activity for adventure seekers and corporate team-building events. Over time, it evolved into a competitive sport, with Malaysia becoming a key player in the regional paintball scene.

Early Years (Late 1990s – Early 2000s)

  • The first paintball fields were established in major cities, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and corporate teams.
  • The sport was primarily played in woodsball format, with military-style tactical gameplay.
  • Equipment and paintball markers were imported, making it an expensive and niche activity.
  • Early adopters included ex-military personnel and extreme sports enthusiasts who enjoyed the strategic elements of the game.

Expansion & Competitive Growth (Mid-2000s – 2010s)

  • The introduction of speedball (a fast-paced competitive format) boosted paintball’s popularity.
  • Major leagues and tournaments emerged, such as:
    • Malaysia National Paintball League (MY-NPL) – The first national league, helping to develop local talent.
    • PALS (Paintball Asia League Series) – Positioned Malaysia as a regional hub for paintball competitions.
    • University and corporate tournaments encouraged more participation.
  • More paintball fields and venues were established across Malaysia, making the sport more accessible.
  • The Malaysian government and sports authorities began recognizing paintball as a structured sport, leading to the enforcement of regulations and safety standards.

Challenges & Regulations

  • Legal restrictions: Paintball markers fall under the Firearms Act 1960, requiring players and businesses to obtain permits.
  • Cost barriers: The high cost of imported equipment and paintballs made it difficult for casual players to participate frequently.
  • Safety concerns: Some authorities viewed paintball as a potentially dangerous activity, leading to strict safety protocols.

Current Status & Future Prospects

  • Paintball remains popular in Malaysia, with a strong local community and international presence.
  • Competitive tournaments continue to attract regional and global teams.
  • Advancements in equipment and technology have improved the safety and accessibility of the sport.
  • Malaysia is expected to further develop its paintball industry, potentially relaxing certain legal restrictions to encourage growth.

Conclusion

Since its introduction in the late 1990s, paintball in Malaysia has evolved from a niche recreational activity into a respected competitive sport. Despite facing legal and cost challenges, the country has established itself as a major paintball hub in Southeast Asia, with a dedicated community and world-class tournaments.



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