THE Malaysian Association of Film Exhibitors (MAFE) is reeling from the affects of the Covid-19 pandemic with estimated losses of up to RM1.3 million a day, accumulating in a total loss of more than RM400 million since last March.

They said cinemas across Malaysia had endured full or partial closures for over 10 months since the first movement control order (MCO) was issued in March last year.

To make things worse, cinemas will remain shut during Chinese New Year, traditionally one of their busiest periods of the year.

MAFE spokesman Periasamy Sinnan said the industry was suffering deep revenue losses of up to 90% year-on-year.

“With the ongoing closures over the last 10 months, losses have exceeded RM400 million,” he said in a statement. 

“For this Chinese New Year, we are regrettably unable to do the norm, yet we remain hopeful that we will once again be able to welcome moviegoers soon.”

MCO 2.0 came into effect for two weeks on January 13 and has since been extended until February 18. It is enforced in all states except Sarawak. 

The government hopes the lockdown will reduce the number of Covid-19 cases which had recently spiked to more than 5,000 daily cases. 

 Periasamy said cinema operators in Malaysia had been compelled to significantly downsize their operations due to the shutdowns of cinema halls.

“Over recent months, two of the largest cinema operators had announced further job losses and permanent closure of some cinema locations.

“It’s inevitably evident that the industry’s plight has been heightened over what traditionally was a time of roaring business in past years. “

He said to date, cinema operators have yet to obtain any form of financial assistance despite various stimulus packages announced by the government and appeals made by the cinema exhibitors to the relevant authority.

“Cinemas continue to follow the stringent SOP guidelines set out by the authorities.

“The industry at this moment needs desperate financial assistance to sustain the cinemas which employ a sizeable local workforce nationwide.”

Periasamy said with the imminent rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine and re-opening of other economic sectors, cinema operators and movie fans are hopeful they will be able to enjoy the big screen experience again soon.

“The cinema exhibition sector is committed to providing our patrons the safest and highest cinematic environment standards when we are allowed to raise our curtains once again.”

On Tuesday, the government allowed dine-in customers to return to the restaurants and for all retail sectors to open.

Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this included all retailers of clothing, shoes and accessories. – February 11, 2021.