PETALING JAYA, Feb. 22 -- The Malaysian Association of Film Exhibitors (MAFE) has questioned why cinemas have to remain closed during the movement control order (MCO) when restrictions have been loosened for other recreational outlets such as gyms and spas.

A press release from MAFE said the local cinema industry has been crippled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and cited losses of up to 90 per cent in revenue year-on-year and more than RM500 million in total losses in the year 2020 alone.

The group also questioned why the government has not given cinemas the green light to reopen when it has done so for other non-essential businesses.

"With the continued closures, Malaysian cinemas will have been partially or fully closed for nearly a ye...