KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 — The Kelantan government said it is willing to consider the return of cinemas, even after staunch protest from PAS Youth wing in the Muslim-majority state last week.
Despite that, Deputy Mentri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah told English-language daily The Star that operators are subject to stricter guidelines by the Kota Baru Municipal Council.
"We will weigh any applications if the interested parties are willing to abide by the conditions imposed by the licensing department," he was quoted as saying.
Among the conditions previously set by the Kelantan government had been gender-segregated seatings and restricted screenings during Muslim daily prayer times.
Mohd Amar was responding to a memorandum of protest by Kelantan PAS Youth last week, claiming it would not compromise with any plans to reopen cinemas in the state.
The chapter’s youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said cinemas do not match the state’s Islamic image and will invite social ills.
His statement came about after it was rumoured that a mall in Kota Baru was looking to open a cinema this year.
MCA leaders however have criticised Ahmad Fadhli, explaining that the cinema industry would bring economic growth to the state and create job opportunities.
Cinemas were shut down in Kelantan around the year 1990, after the PAS government came into power.
However, shopping malls in the state continue to reserve space to be utilised by any cinema operators that manage to receive approval from authorities.
