KUALA LUMPUR – Cinemas nationwide will temporarily cease operations starting from next month, according to the Malaysian Association of Film Exhibitors (MAFE).
Citing Covid-19 and the struggling international movie industry, MAFE vice-president Cheah Chun Wai said the shutdown was necessary to ensure the survival of local cinemas.
“While this decision was not easy, it is in response to an increasingly challenging landscape for cinemas," he said.
The decision was made after the recent imposition of the conditional movement control order (CMCO) in several states which led to cinemas, and other leisure industries, to close.
The lack of new movies on the release schedule is also a factor.
Due to the recurring nature of the pandemic around the world, major studios are reluctant to release blockbusters, with sure-fire hits like the latest James Bond entry ‘No Time to Die’ and Marvel superhero film ‘Black Widow’ shelved for now.
According to Cheah, the local cinema industry has suffered a massive 90% loss in revenue from this point last year.
“Closing and reopening cinemas is extremely cumbersome, costly and disrupting not only for the cinemas, but also for our landlords and customers.
“Cinemas in Malaysia have appealed for government assistance and rental support for the distressed industry, as it grapples to survive and recover from this worldwide crisis,” said.
Major cinema chains such as TGV Cinemas Sdn Bhd, Golden Screen Cinemas Sdn Bhd, MBO Cinemas, and mmCineplexes have announced that they will participate in the closure. – The Vibes, October 30, 2020
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