SOME avid movie-goers have seized the chance to return to the cinemas on the first day of their reopening from today (July 1) during this period of the recovery movement control order (RMCO).
The green light given recently by the Federal Government through Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob comes with strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) after the cinemas had been shut down for more than three months due to the Covid-19 crisis.
Buletin Mutiara today spoke to the management of 1st Avenue’s TGV cinemas and some patrons for their views on the matter.
TGV cinemas 1st Avenue branch assistant manager Mohd Jafni Abdullah said as of now, they only utilise small halls which can accommodate only 70 attendees at any one time.
“Public health security and safety are of utmost importance to us and as we are in the recovery stage now, we hope the public will continue to cooperate by maintaining excellent compliance with the SOPs,” he said.
“Out of the eight halls that we have, only five are currently operating.
“Each hall is only allowed to screen a maximum of three movies after the disinfection of seats is done before and after each movie screening.
“While we encourage the public to adhere to SOPs such as temperature checks, contact tracing, social distancing and hand sanitising, we also make sure our staff and cleaners undergo sanitising procedures twice a day when they enter or exit the premises.”
Speaking on behalf of TGV headquarters, Mohd Jasni said when new movies are released July 15 onwards, they expect more people to hit the cinemas after a relatively slow start today.
Several Penangites, who were spotted at the cinema today, were approached for their views. Below are their comments:
Yap Jun Xian, 24 (tutor)
“I wanted to experience the new norm and I have to say that it feels good to be surrounded by a minimal crowd. And with all the SOPs properly in place, it’s much safer.
“I’m missing all those big, blockbuster movies that have been postponed but now, any movie is a must watch in the cinema for me.”
S. Saintthyagaraja, 18 (student)
“When I saw the news about the reopening, I was so excited and decided that I must watch a movie on the first day of the reopening itself and here I am today.
“I take this opportunity to thank the government for the approval to reopen cinemas because just like me, I am sure there are a lot of movie fans out there longing for this moment.
“I will comply with all the safety measures imposed as it is important for us to take care of one another during these trying times.”
Kok Chang Min, 57 (retiree)
“I believe that as long as we comply with the SOPs, we should be in safe hands. I notice that the SOPs at 1st Avenue (TGV cinemas) here are properly imposed.
“With social distancing adopted in the cinema hall, I would be able to relax and focus on the movie,” Kok said.
Although the gates are now open, fans will find themselves with limited movies to choose from for the time being until at least mid-July.
Movie-goers can enjoy re-runs of previously released titles such as ‘Jumanji’, ‘Bloodshot’, ‘Invisible Man’ and ‘Angry Birds’ at a discounted price of RM5 per person.
For further details, visit the link https://www.tgv.com.my/
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal