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[PHOTOS] Grab your popcorn, cinemas now open!

After 10 months, movie houses are back in business with strict SOPs in place

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 06 Mar 2021 5:00PM

[PHOTOS] Grab your popcorn, cinemas now open! — Sanitisation is compulsory for all cinemas to operate under the CMCO. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 6, 2021

by Syeda Imran

KUALA LUMPUR – After 10 months of operational disruptions following multiple government-ordered lockdowns, today, finally, cinemas nationwide are allowed to reopen.

The relaxing of the movement control order (MCO) to the conditional MCO yesterday meant movie houses can once again welcome patrons but must ensure they adhere to strict standard operating procedures.

As preparation, cinemas also need to disinfect their premises, provide hand sanitisers, downsize attendance capacity and ensure members of the audience wear face masks at all times to reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading in their establishment.

According to the Malaysian Association for Film Exhibitors, the cinema sector – the lifeblood of entertainment and a main contributor to the economy – will take a long time to recover.

The industry suffered more than RM400 million in losses over the 10 months of operational disruptions.

The Vibes’ SYEDA IMRAN gets a sneak peek of the first day of relaunch. – The Vibes, March 6, 2021

Some seats are marked ‘out of commission’ to ensure moviegoers practise social distancing. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 6, 2021

Monitors showing what movies are playing today, while customers queue in front of ticket booths. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 6, 2021

Movie houses must provide hand sanitisers at their premises. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 6, 2021

What movie shall I watch today? It has been 10 months since cinemas were allowed to open. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 6, 2021

Watching a movie at the cinema would not be complete without concessions, especially popcorn. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 6, 2021

Other popular consessions are fried finger food and drinks. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 6, 2021

Members of the audience practising social distancing by sitting only at seats not marked with ‘X’. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 6, 2021

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