KUALA TERENGGANU: Movie buffs here can now save themselves an exhausting drive into the next state just to catch the latest flick.
This is because after almost a decade of absence, cinemas are now making a comeback here.
State Industrial, Commerce and Environment committee chairman Toh Chin Yaw said Terengganu welcomed cinema operators to set up movie houses here after such entertainment outlets closed shop during PAS’ 1999 to 2004 rule.
He said there was a misconception that the state government had imposed a blanket ban on the issuance of permits to these outlets.
“That was during the rule by PAS when operators were forced to cease operations due to numerous regulations imposed by the local government then,” he said.
“They found it uneconomical as they were asked to segregate movie-goers based on gender in addition to other types of unnecessary conditions.
“There is no restriction for those wanting to operate cinemas here. They will just have to follow the normal procedure when applying for permits, much like that in other states.”
Toh said the Barisan Nasional state government had flexible policies and, in fact, was inviting cinema operators in as a way of spurring Terengganu’s fiscal growth.
“We have received numerous enquiries lately and some operators have begun evaluating the economical factors and the appropriate locations to set up cineplexes,” he said.
Toh said the state government had suggested Plaza Perdana to interested parties as the shopping complex was in need of a facelift.
“We have no prohibition for such outlets as long as the operators conform to local by-laws,” he said when asked to comment on a mini-cineplex scheduled to open at Mesra Mall in Kerteh, Kemaman, by the end of the year.
Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said it was up to the local councils to decide if they should approve permits for cinemas.-The Star
