“Cinemas in Kelantan would be lucky to have a handful of patrons if hardline conditions are imposed,” Kelantan MCA Liaison Committee Secretary Lua Choon Hann said in a statement.

Earlier today, the Kelantan Government said it was open to approving the setting up of cinemas provided the operators were willing to adhere strictly to the conditions laid out by the Kelantan authorities.

Apart from separating the male and female patrons, other conditions include halting operations during Ramadan and at prayer times at night.

Some of the lights must be switched on.

Lua said the guidelines were “laughable”.

“On one hand, you compel males and females to sit separately while watching the movie, but once they walk out from the cinema, they will be sitting in the same car.”

Lua also said the guidelines would encroach and impinge on the lifestyle of non-Muslims, apart from possibly leading to a loss in income.