KUALA LUMPUR: The Kelantan state government has said it has never banned the opening of cinemas.
However, it said operators must adhere to rather strict conditions, including avoiding screenings in dark environments to prevent undesirable elements.
State Islamic Development, Propagation, Information, and Community Relations Committee chairman Asri Mat Daud said the issue of cinemas was longstanding, and that the state government had previously issued many explanations on it.
In a report by Malay daily Utusan Malaysia, he said another condition emphasised in the circular for those interested in opening cinemas in Kelantan was adherence to prayer times, especially for Maghrib and Isyak, due to the short interval between them.
"The reality is that companies wanting to open cinemas in Kelantan have found their aspirations halted due to the strict conditions set, not because the state government has banned the opening of cinemas.
"Several companies have indeed expressed interest in opening cinemas in the state, but all have encountered difficulties in meeting the stipulated conditions," he was quoted as saying.
Asri said the state government still provided an alternative option for filmmakers wanting to screen their works.
"Our alternative solution is to offer a large, spacious hall for film screenings, as was done during the preview of Duan Nago Bogho, directed by Sabri Yunus, previously," he said.
In a related development, he said the state government actively encouraged performances of stories related to history, significant figures, and cultural heritage that highlight the identity and uniqueness of Kelantan, as long as they comply with Syariah principles.