Monday, 22 Feb 2021 09:33 PM MYTA permanently shuttered GSC Berjaya Times Square following forced extended closure brought about by government measures during the MCO, February 22, 2021. — Picture by Shafwan ZaidonKUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 — The Malaysian Association of Film Exhibitors today accused the government of “unfair treatment” by forcing cinemas to remain shut despite allowing other non-essential services to reopen during the movement control order .
“It is a stark contrast compared with previous years where the industry has collectively contributed over RM1.08 billion in income and over RM250 million in entertainment tax duties to the country,” MAFA said in a statement. “In totality, over 25 per cent of cinema screens all over the country have been permanently shuttered due to the long-term closures,” it said.
Budget 2021 tabled last November allocated RM100 million as a booster for the creative industry, but cinemas were once again exempted from this aid. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, cinema operators have followed an established set of stringent standard operating procedures guidelines from authorities, which includes mandatory contact tracing, temperature checks, and social distancing.