So far 1,274 signatures collected and we assume someone from the Ministry has been informed.

We have seen online petition work before. Remember the "Reinstate Quah Seng Sun Chess Column"? Over 1000 signatures were collected and The Star chess column was reinstated but later of course it was still inevitable discontinued.

Question is if the effort was effective and had a positive effect?

No really. This is a question as I honestly don't know. Please drop a comment if you do know! I am sure the 1274 signatures contributees also want to know :)

UPDATE: 
My bad. Did not read MCF website that it has been reinstated. That is indeed good news!
https://malaysiachess.org/announcement/chess-to-stay-in-mssm/