Fully vaccinated audiences in Singapore are already enjoying the movie-going experience

3 Sep – The Malaysian Association of Film Exhibitors (MAFE) is now calling for the Malaysian government to allow cinemas to reopen to fully vaccinated audiences, seeing that recreational activities are now allowed for those who have completed their two-dose vaccines.

In a statement released on 1 September, MAFE stated that the cinema business has already suffered a huge setback from the series of lockdowns and strict protocols, with losses amounting more than RM600 million, and the loss of jobs of more than 20,000 Malaysians in the film and cinema workforce.

MBO Cinemas shut down operations last year amid the pandemic

"We are confident that it is safe to allow fully vaccinated audiences to come back to the cinemas, so that we can begin the recovery of the mental drain that is afflicting Malaysians nationwide," Sisubalan added.

MAFE also promised to implement more enhanced SOPs in line with other countries abroad where cinemas are allowed to reopen. This includes:

• Admittance to fully vaccinated individuals (only 14 days after second dose) – with proof of digital certificate of COVID-19 vaccination
• Encouraging contactless purchases for movie tickets & F&B
• Manning of cinemas by fully vaccinated staff members
• Enhanced PPEs for staff including double masking and face shields

It is noted that there has been no COVID-19 cases that originated from cinema theatres, and yet the industry has been one of the most affected, with MBO Cinemas had to close its operation in 2020 due to severe financial losses.

Even more enhanced SOPs to be implemented