Cinema In Malaysia Implements Separate Seatings For Male & Female

A movie theatre in Malaysia is making nationwide headlines for implementing separated seating zones for men, women and family members.

The cinema in question is the Lotus Five Star (LFS) Cinemas located in Paya Bunga Square, Kuala Terengganu. This came following the government’s announcement that all cinemas nationwide are allowed to reopen.

In an interview with Sinar Harian, manager Zulmajdi Razali said the implementation of the new rule was enforced in accordance with the state’s Entertainment, Culture, Tourism and Sports Guidelines. In addition, the company revealed that they received instruction from the local authorities to introduce and implement the new instruction to visitors.

“The implementation of the new rule was enforced by the Majlis Bandaraya Kuala Terengganu (MBKT). This is to ensure that all of the events and activities are conducted in accordance with the Islamic law and Shariah compliance,” Zulmajdi was quoted as saying.

During the interview, he elaborated that the newly introduced regulation covers a number of matters. The aforementioned includes separation of seats between non-mahram (non-family related) male and female, as well as families depending on the capacity of the hall.

“For halls that are relatively small in terms of size, family members may choose to sit in any seats provided by the cinema. Whereas for a more spacious theatre, we have divided the middle part of the hall solely for families only,” shared Zulmajdi.

He continued, “But this depends on the situation where there are also male and female cinema-goers placed in the middle of the area just in case circumstances require. But both of them need to maintain their boundaries.” Apparently, the rule also applies to non-Muslim visitors as well.