It may take some time (probably never) for the Kelantan state government to reopen the cinemas in the state, but the Kelantanese themselves are urging the state government to make cinemas available.
The local historical epic, Mat Kilau, which was released last week just became the highest-grossing Malay movie to date, earning RM23.3 million as of yesterday morning (June 30).
Unfortunately, Kelantanese are having difficulties and inconveniences to catch up with the movie due to the unavailability of cinemas there.
If there’s a will, there’s a way
A few cinema patrons spoke to Utusan Malaysia and revealed that they had to travel ALL THE WAY to the nearest state with cinemas – Terengganu. It was not only an appreciation and support toward the local entertainment industry but also a ‘message’ to the Kelantan state government to ‘give life’ to the cinemas in the state.
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Azwar Shariffudin, 41, told Utusan Malaysia that he had to drive for three hours with his friends to Terengganu just to catch up on Mat Kilau.
“I don’t mind if they’re reopening cinemas according to the Syariah laws. At least I can watch movies with my family here in Kelantan,” he said.
“Cinemas, please!”
Another patron, Ahmad Fikeri said that the state government should give its rakyat the opportunity to have some entertainment, as long as it adheres to the Syariah laws.
“I’m fine with the isolated seats between men and women. We, the Kelantanese, just need cinemas in the state,” he added.
Ahmad also said that the state government should look at the bright side and reopen the cinemas as it will spur economic development.
Meanwhile, another frequent cinema patron, Aswady Adenan, said that the cinemas in Terengganu that comply with the Shariah laws should be the blueprint for reopening cinemas in Kelantan.
He has to travel for seven to eight hours to KL and around three hours to Terengganu if he ever plans to watch Mat Kilau.
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“I hope the Kelantan state government will look at the bright side when it comes to reopening the cinemas,” he said.
Fellow Kelantanese folks, are you hoping for the same from the state government? Or are you willing to travel to another state just to catch up on a movie?
Also read: “It was all men” – PAS Youth Defends Its Chief Who Visits The Cinema, Says It’s Not Totally Haram
