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Drive-in cinema operators ready

KUALA LUMPUR: DRIVE-IN cinema operators are prepared to roll out the carpet for moviegoers, pending approval by local councils.

The "Drive-In Cinema Malaysia" initiative organised by creative event marketing agency Perk Idea Sdn Bhd is aiming to launch an outdoor cinema service by the end of the month or early August.

Perk Idea Sdn Bhd managing director Phan Kok Hing said they were waiting for a local council's approval to operate the outdoor cinema in the Klang Valley.

Phan, however, declined to reveal its location at the moment.

"The official date and venue will be announced on our Facebook page," he told the New Straits Times when contacted.

Phan said this would be the first time that the creative agency, which started in 2010, was organising an outdoor cinema.

He said the idea was conceived during the Movement Control Order (MCO) as a way to provide entertainment to the public after having to remain at home for almost four months.

"As a creative event marketing agency, we have been trying to come up with different ideas to survive the MCO. The idea materialised during our online meeting.

"Another reason is also because the events and entertainment industry are badly affected by the MCO and the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.

Phan was confident that the drive-in cinema would be a success and provide a unique cinematic experience while adhering to the government's Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP).

On the types of movies to be screened, he said discussions were being made with movie distributors.

For more information, the public can check the official Facebook page of Drive-In Cinema Malaysia.

Meanwhile, avid movie-goers have expressed excitement over the idea of a drive-in cinema.

For student Bethany Chuah, 20, going to an outdoor cinema would be a nostalgic experience for her.

"When I was around 5 years old my parents took me to an outdoor cinema to watch Shrek.

"The experience has been a fond memory for me.

"An outdoor cinema will be good and uplifting entertainment experience for all Malaysians," she said.

Chuah also believed that the drive-in cinema would be a safer option for those concerned about the spread of Covid-19.

Meanwhile, public relations consultant, Dara Shaipudin, 30, voiced concerns over the rate of operators' compliance with the SOP set by the government.

Dara, who had experienced outdoor cinema, said drive-in cinema operators need to consider other factors, including ticket pricing and the weather.

"I think Malaysians are open to drive-in cinemas but it depends on the set-up and the operators' compliance with the SOP. We need to ensure that everyone is comfortable too.

"The space of the venue also plays a vital role in ensuring social distancing, apart from the ease of facilities for moviegoers to purchase their tickets and snacks.

"Are the operators ready for all these? People will not drive too far and will consider the cost of the tickets. For me, the maximum amount will be RM20. Another factor will be the movies screened."

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