PETALING JAYA: Malaysians will finally be able to enjoy movie nights under the stars after the government gave the green light for drive-in cinemas to operate.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the special Cabinet committee on Covid-19 has agreed to requests from organisers, although they would be subjected to strict standard operating procedures (SOP).
“Among other things, visitors must remain in their respective vehicles at all times, selling of food and beverages must be online, and picking up of food via drive-thru.
“Rela personnel will also be stationed to control the movement of visitors,” he said in a statement today.
Ismail Sabri said the Communications and Multimedia Ministry, together with the Housing and Local Government Ministry, would iron out the necessary SOP.
Earlier this week, event organisers TwoSpicy Entertainment Live and MD Events Asia announced that the first drive-in cinema in the country, called M-Junction, would be opening in Kuala Lumpur.
The first show to be screened is expected some time in the middle of the month, although details have been scarce.
A drive-in cinema involves watching movies on a large screen at outdoor venues, in the comfort of one’s own car.
The idea is particularly timely and practical amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, as it allows movie-goers to maintain social distancing and avoid any form of contact with others.
Previously in June, Ismail Sabri had announced that indoor cinemas, theatres and other “live” events will be allowed to operate with a maximum capacity of 250, although this will depend on the size of the hall.
The SOP included social distancing of a metre, checking of body temperature before entering, and the use of face mask and hand sanitisers.
On a separate matter, Ismail Sabri said 11 individuals were arrested on Wednesday for various violations of the SOP under the recovery movement control order.
He said this was part of 66,629 checks on various premises conducted by a special task force on Covid-19 led by the police.
A total of 2,876 compliance team involving 13,545 enforcement officers were involved in the checks, he added.
