KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the green light given by Sabah state government, cinema operator Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) has opted not to open its doors yet.
Its chief executive officer Koh Mei Lee said the cinema operator was waiting for clearance from the Federal government and the National Security Council (NSC) on an official date for them to reopen.
"Only after getting an official date can we reopen our cinemas to movie-goers across the country, at the same time.
"Furthermore, for the screening of new movies, it requires all cinemas in the country to reopen simultaneously, as no distributor will release new movies only for Sabah.
"Therefore, we hope to be given the green light by the Federal government and NSC anytime soon. We look forward to making an announcement as soon as we are able to do so," she said when contacted.
Koh said GSC was currently preparing for the reopening by having the cinema premises regularly cleaned and sanitised.
"Just as how much our customers are looking forward to go back to cinemas, we are also looking forward to welcoming people back into our cinemas.
"Among the preparations include implementing of new standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure the well-being of our customers, which will be our top priority."
In Sabah, GSC has two cinemas; one at Suria Sabah and the other at 1Borneo Hyper Mall.
Yesterday, chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal in a statement said cinemas had been allowed to reopen starting yesterday, along with beauty and health services.
He said although they were allowed to resume as usual, they have to strictly adhere to the SOPs set by the government, health authorities, and local authorities.
He also called on the public to continue practising social distancing and high hygiene standards when in public places.