Cinemas prepare to welcome movie-goers for reopening

 

Although cinemas have chosen to delay their reopening following Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s recent announcement, cinema operators assured they are ready to welcome movie-goers back to the big screen.

On Sept 7, Ismail Sabri announced cinemas will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity for fully vaccinated individuals, effective Sept 9.

Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) PR and branding manager Sharmine Ishak told Bernama that their staff members have been maintaining the cinemas throughout the closure.

He said this includes cleaning the seats, halls, and facilities such as e-kiosks, and equipment like projectors.

He assured that before reopening, the cinemas will be thoroughly disinfected to ensure they are ready to welcome movie-goers back.

“As of now, cinema operators are currently awaiting 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 Film Censorship Board of Malaysia for censorship review, as it was not possible to review films during the lockdown,” he said.

Sharmine added that any updates regarding the reopening of cinemas as well as the screening of movies would be announced via social media.

Meanwhile, TGV Cinemas general manager of sales & marketing Mohit Bhargava said they would also be training their frontline staff to comply with new SOPs outlined by the federal government, coupled with their own enhanced safety procedures.

He said their enhanced safety SOPs included restricting entry to fully vaccinated staff and guests aged 18 and above, enhanced food safety management, 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.

Mohit hoped the reopening of cinemas would offer Malaysians a safe environment to reduce their stress and anxiety 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