19 Jan – MBO Cinemas surprised everyone with a colourful addition to the town of Batu Pahat with the opening of a new 8-screen cineplex in Square One Mall, Johor. Located on the second floor of the recently opened mall next to Carrefour Hypermarket in Taman Flora Utama, the cineplex seats 1217 and outdoes the recent opening of Big Cinemas' 7-screen outlet in Batu Pahat Mall, only about one kilometre away. This development makes it two new cinema outlets in two months for the booming Johor locale.
The new MBO outlet has a spectral display of present movie characters lining its walls, not to mention actors and actresses from Hollywood's golden age of cinema. The elaborate decor showcases poster-plastered ceilings and casino-style doors, along with faux chandeliers and themed designs for each of its eight halls. According to CEO and Managing Director of MBO Cinemas Mr. Toh Kim Hock: "We are a family-oriented cinema, aiming to bring the best to cities and towns that may not have the luxury of Kuala Lumpur settings. It's amazing when you see people's faces light up by simply looking at the bright lights we've put up to give cinemagoers that experience". MBO Chief Operating Officer Ikmal Nizam Ariffin added: "It really is a beautiful location. It's like taking a timeless journey when you walk along the corridors to get to your hall."
The cinema opened on Saturday night, 17 January 2009, to curious and excited patrons who alerted friends and family members immediately that a new cinema was in town, who subsequently turned out in droves to catch some of the shows that were screening for free. From now until 21 January 2008, the public will be able to enjoy out-of-season blockbuster movies like "The Dark Knight", "Money No Enough 2" and "Quantum Of Solace" at RM 2 only.