THE Malaysian Association of Film Exhibitors (MAFE) has sought to engage the Government to allow for the reopening of cinemas in the country.
This comes following Prime Minister Tan Sri Mahiaddin Yassin’s announcement on July 24 on the consideration of sports, social activities and dine-in privileges for those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“As the Government reconsiders the reopening of selected sectors for those who have been fully vaccinated, the cinema industry seeks to be part of those relaxations and privileges.
“We have one of the most stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs) with no mingling in halls, masks on 100% of the time, and distanced seating.
“With a new ruling of only allowing fully vaccinated audiences to be granted entry, we are confident that cinemas will be a safe avenue to seek respite, which is crucial for the recovery of our nation’s mental health,” said MAFE chairman General (Rtd) Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr) Mohd Ghazali.
Despite being one of the industries with the most stringent standard operation procedures (SOPs) cinemas are often the first businesses to close and the last businesses allowed to reopen.
Even though no infections were ever traced back to the cinema, theatre operators were forced to close for more than 200 days in 2020, which resulted in losses of more than RM500 mil in total and 90% of revenue year-on-year.
Since the start of 2021, Malaysian cinemas have already been shuttered for over 150 days, running huge losses – a stark contrast from previous years, where the industry has collectively contributed over RM1.08 bil in income and over RM250 mil in entertainment tax duties to the country.
These forced closures have paralysed the industry with more than 20,000 Malaysians in its workforce, threatening their livelihoods with job losses and extensive pay cuts, while exhibitors face permanent closures of cinemas and a significant downsizing of operations.
With no financial or monetary support from the Government, cinema operators have no way of sustaining the business, as they continue to invest into daily maintenance of cinemas and the upkeep of staff.
The prolonged closures last year saw the exit of the country’s third largest exhibitor, MBO Cinemas from the industry.
In totality, over 25% of cinema screens all over Malaysia have been permanently shuttered due to long-term closures and MAFE expects this number to increase if cinemas are not allowed to reopen. – Aug 4, 2021.
