GEORGE TOWN – Although cinemas have delayed their reopening following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s recent announcement, operators assured that they are ready to welcome moviegoers back to the big screen.
On September 7, Ismail Sabri announced that cinemas are allowed to operate at 50% capacity for fully vaccinated individuals, effective September 9.
Golden Screen Cinemas PR and branding manager Sharmine Ishak told Bernama that staff have been maintaining the cinemas throughout the closure, which includes cleaning the seats, halls and facilities such as e-kiosks, and equipment like projectors.
He said before reopening, the cinemas will be thoroughly disinfected to ensure that they are all ready to welcome back moviegoers.
“As of now, cinema operators are currently awaiting the detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) to start our operation.
“Additionally, the studios and distributors have just only been able to submit their films to the Malaysia Film Censorship Board for censorship review, as it was not possible to review films during the lockdown,” he said.
He added that any updates regarding the reopening of cinemas as well as the screening of movies will be announced via social media.
Meanwhile, TGV Cinemas general manager of sales and marketing Mohit Bhargava said that they will also be training their front-line staff and comply with new SOPs outlined by the federal government, coupled with their own enhanced safety procedures.
He said among their own enhanced safety SOPs included restricting entry to fully vaccinated staff and guests aged 18 and above, enhanced food safety management, operating contactless ticket sales as well as active monitoring of safety satisfaction scores.
“Furthermore, we will also be preparing a range of welcome back deals and offers for our MovieClub members and guests to greet them at our reopening,” he said.
He hoped that the reopening of cinemas will offer Malaysians a safe environment to reduce their stress and anxiety levels amid the pandemic at an affordable price.
“As an industry, we are responsible for creating around 20,000 jobs all of which have been impacted due to cinema closure and we hope to rebuild our business and help our staff and their families regain normalcy,” he said. – Bernama, September 12, 2021
