“Moviegoing will still be one of the most popular and affordable entertainment offerings outside the home,” said Koh Mei Lee, the chief executive of Golden Screen Cinemas.
Speaking to FMT, she sought to assure filmgoers that extensive measures against the spread of Covid-19 were being put in place but acknowledged that it might take some time for them to start feeling comfortable again.
She noted that cinemas were reopening in several parts of the world and were receiving positive responses.
Adhering to the social distancing rule will reduce audience sizes to less than half of hall capacities and Koh said her company would also reduce the number of screenings per day to make time for cleaning and disinfection.
“All these measures will affect our bottom line, but they are at present necessary to give moviegoers the confidence to return to the cinemas,” she said.
“We do hope that these measures will in time be gradually eased when circumstances improve.”
She said the industry was still waiting for the authorities to provide instructions on standard operating procedures (SOPs).
However, Golden Screen has planned for the following safety measures:
- Filmgoers, guests and cinema employees will have to undergo temperature checks.
- Filmgoers and guests will be required to complete a digital declaration form to facilitate contact tracing.
- The number of people in common areas will be limited in order to prevent crowding.
- Filmgoers will be encouraged to purchase tickets online in order to prevent heavy queuing at counters.
- Frequently used facilities will be cleaned and sanitised regularly.
- Theatre seats will be disinfected after every screening.
- Employees will be required to wear face masks and members of the audience will be encouraged to do so.
- Hand sanitiser will be provided at most common areas.
Koh said her company had not made any money since the imposition of the movement control order (MCO). “Both our admissions and revenue have decreased by 70% year-on-year.”
Before the pandemic, the company catered to a monthly average of 2.5 million filmgoers.
The company has planned several promotion efforts, including re-runs of films shown shortly before the MCO at ticket prices going to as low as RM5. Koh said new movies would be available with no price increases.
Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced early this week that cinemas, theatres and spaces for live events will be allowed to reopen from July 1.
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