GSC compensates 'bed bug' couple, promises immediate clean-up

PETALING JAYA: Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) says it has taken immediate remedial action to engage in pest control services for its cinemas after a couple claimed they were bitten by bed bugs at one of the company's cinema halls.

The cinema operator said it had received reports on an incident at the GSC Mid Valley Megamall about a couple who was bitten by bed bugs while watching a movie in its cinema.

"Their experience has been widely shared on social media, and we would like to clear the air following their report.

"Since the report, we have reached out to the couple, Pei En and Damien, and offered to reimburse their medical fees," it said in a statement posted on the company's Facebook page on Saturday (Sept 8).

Other immediate remedial steps were to engage in pest control services to clean all seats inside the hall, GSC added.

"A special treatment was carried out in the affected hall last night, and a special check will be done on the rest of the halls.

"We will also continue to monitor the situation closely.

"GSC values hygiene and cleanliness. All halls are treated for pests on a monthly basis," the company said.

Saying that it took the matter seriously, GSC added that it would continue to conduct checks and treatment with its pest control services partner to ensure an environment free from bugs.

"We extend our sincerest apologies to Pei En and Damien for their poor experience while watching a movie at our cinemas.

"It is always in our best intention to provide positive and enriching cinema experiences, and you - our customers - are the reasons we continue to improve ourselves," GSC said.

The Star reported that a couple got more than they bargained for during a movie date on Thursday (Sept 8).

Aside from the thrills and screams from the latest horror flick The Nun, Pei En and her boyfriend Damien Chen were apparently bitten by bed bugs.

"In the middle of the movie, my boyfriend felt very uncomfortable, caused of itchiness and keep scratching his lower back.

"At first, we didn't really pay much attention of it because we thought it might be just a mosquito bite, until I began to feel itchy and start scratching my hand as well," Pei En wrote on her Facebook page.

They were also shocked when they saw bed bugs crawling under their seats.

"After we saw that, we went out of the hall immediately ... We didn't manage to finish our movie, and we made a report for a ticket refund," she said.