The competition consists of youth squads from clubs competing in the Malaysian football league system and sports schools under the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).

[2][3][4] It exists alongside the developmental competition for under-21 players, the Piala Presiden.

Since its inception in 2008, the Piala Belia has been a major tournament for under-19 players.

[5] In 2016, the tournament format was also changed with the clubs being divided into two groups and played a round-robin leg, with four top clubs from each group at the end of the season qualifying for the playoff round to determine the champion.

[2][3] The final match for the cup is broadcast by Astro Arena.