KUALA LUMPUR: While the government has allowed drive-in cinemas to operate, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) will review and further refine the Film Exhibition Licence for operators, in line with the new normal following the Covid-19 outbreak.
Its chief executive officer Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri said that it was necessary to safeguard the content of the films set to be screened so as not to become victims of piracy.
"The existence of drive-in is due to the new normal and will become a trend.
"Therefore, safeguarding film content is one of the most important criteria so that it does not affect film production sector.
"Therefore, we may have to draft or fine-tune the existing licence to suit this type of screening.
"However, up to this day, we have yet to come up with a final decision," he said in a news report today.
On July 9, the government had given a nod to the proposal for drive-in cinemas to operate, subject to the standard operating procedure (SOP), including requiring cinema-goers to remain in their vehicles, and purchase food and beverages online and collect them via drive-through counter.
Both the Communications and Multimedia Ministry and Housing and Local Government Ministry are working together to come up with the SOP for drive-in cinemas.
Ahmad Idham said the drive-in cinemas would also screen classic movies, besides new movie titles.
He said that drive-in cinemas featured an interesting concept which provided a more relaxed and safe entertainment platform for the entire family.
"However, it can be a bit challenging due to our warm and humid weather, and this can be difficult for operators to choose suitable locations," he added.