The Malaysian Film Showers Association (MAFE) has unanimously decided to postpone cinema operations nationwide starting this November.
Through a statement issued by MAFE today, cinemas will progressively stop filming and concession operations at each location while continuing to monitor the current situation and act accordingly as market conditions improve.
MAFE explained that the closure was the right decision made by them following the recent implementation of the Conditional Movement Control Order (PKPB) in several states that require cinemas to remain closed.
Adding to the statement, the decision was also made based on the lack of new films in the near future.
MAFE also stressed that it is not an easy decision to make but had to be made after taking into account the quite challenging situation for cinemas and to ensure cinema operations in the country can continue to be maintained.
According to MAFE, the Malaysian cinema industry received a huge impact as a result of the epidemic and has suffered huge revenue losses due to a reduction in the number of customers by up to 90% besides having to incur significant costs in strict standard operating procedures (SOP) to ensure strong compliance and safety for customers .
The association also informed that all cinema operators in the country have requested government assistance and support in the form of rent.
MAFE does not rule out anything that will happen and the coming months are an important period for the survival of the country's cinema industry.
However, MAFE remains optimistic that after the release of Covid-19, the public attendance to cinemas will increase again because watching movies is the main entertainment option for the people of this country.
