Cinemas in JB not drawing the crowd

Adib (left) and Fazly say the movies being screened did not interest them.

JOHOR BARU: Although the public are allowed to go to cinemas now, many are being cautious or simply staying away because movies screened are not interesting enough to draw them.

The cinemas were allowed to reopen from July 1 after being closed since the movement control order was imposed on March 18.

Fazly Zulkarnain, 32 and Adib Abdul Rahim, 24, who work in an oil and gas company, said they had planned to catch a movie but upon checking those playing, they changed their mind.

“There were no movies that caught our interest, ” said Fazly.

The two were the only ones spotted at the cinema in a shopping centre in Tebrau here during a recent weekend.

Prior to Covid-19 pandemic, the cinema used to be crowded with movie-goers.

Fazly said they were not afraid of infection at cinemas as they were confident the standard operating procedures (SOP) in place would keep them safe.

“We too take safety measures such as wearing face masks, using hand sanitiser and keeping away from crowds, ” he said.

Civil servant Mohamad Azizi Aziz, 27, a movie buff, said the screenings at the moment were not appealing to him.

“I am looking forward to watching Bill & Ted Face the Music as well as Wonder Woman 1984. Both are expected to premiere next month.

“I think going to a cinema is safe as safety measures are a must at these places.

“In fact, with social distancing, the seats next to me will be empty and I am sure this will make for a more comfortable experience, ” he said.

Veterinarian Dr Afiq Sazwan Abdul Aziz, 29, who visited a mini theatre for children at a theme park in Nusajaya, said he felt safe bringing his family here.

“The operator ensured social distancing and other SOP were in place, ” he said.

The operator of Emperor Cinemas here said since reopening, very few people are coming to watch movies.

A representative, C.E. Lim, said they used to get about a thousand visitors a day but now were lucky if about 100 came.

“We are adhering to the SOP strictly and having promotions to attract movie-goers but business is still slow, ” he lamented.