Main image via Facebook + Cinema Online
Being responsible and spending our days indoors may not be as easy as it sounds but thankfully for many of us, we can rely on our TVs, computers, phones and tablets to keep us entertained.
There’s never been a better time to binge watch series and movies and for cinema lovers, this unfortunately may need to be the new norm until the end of April.
via GIPHY
The Malaysian Association of Film Exhibitors (MAFE) recently announced that cinemas in the country will remain closed until the end of April 2020, in an effort to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to MAFE, the cinemas that will cease operations during this period of time will be multiplexes run by Golden Screen Cinemas, TGV Cinemaas, mmCineplexes and Lotus Five Star Cinemas.
“The said closure of cinemas is also in cognisance with the efforts of other film exhibitors across the Asean region, which have and are also closing their cinemas to prevent gatherings in the interest of their citizens’ and customers’ safety,” a statement read.
“This includes exhibitors in countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Phillipines, Vietnam, Myanmar and Singapore.”
And additional factor to making this decision also came from the fact that many local and international movies that were originally scheduled for release from March to June, have been postponed to later parts of the year.
“The government is asking us to practice social distancing even after the movement control order is lifted,” said a film exhibitor spokesperson. “And cinema halls are one of the places where people come together. So, it only makes sense that we exercise caution.”
“Everyone, companies and individuals, has to do their part if we want this crisis to be contained,” the spokesperson added.
via GIPHY
“While we intend to reopen the cinemas as soon as circumstances allow, we believe it is important that we put the nation’s interest, as well as our customers’ and employees’ health and well-being first,” MAFE’s statement continued.
“We have provided Malaysians a place to escape, indulge, and be entertained over the years, and we will be there again to welcome you back as soon as it is safe to do so,” MAFE added. “Together, we will overcome these challenging times, so let’s stay safe and do our part for Malaysia.”
This definitely is a step in the right direction to stop the spread of COVID-19!
While it is sad that we won’t be able to go to the cinema for a while, even after the MCO, just remember that we’re all playing our part to help in these uncertain times.
Stay safe and stay home! Together we can #FlattenTheCurve!
Stay updated with the latest COVID-19 news here: https://en.syok.my/covid-19
Info via The Star