[UPDATED] More GSC Theatres Expected To Close This Year

More bad news is coming for moviegoers as popular cinema chain Golden Screen Cinema (GSC) Sdn Bhd is looking to close down more theatres in order to optimise its operational efficiency at cinemas located at adjacent catchment areas.

This was confirmed by GSC’s  chief executive officer (CEO) Koh Mei Lee, who told NST’s Business Times that this was part of the company’s strategic consolidation plan.

Older GSC cinemas with less traffic to close

Speaking to the English daily, Koh said the move to shutter down more theatres was caused by the saturation of malls, most notably in the Klang Valley, where shoppers have access to many entertainment options.

This resulted in closing older cinemas in malls with less footfall and prioritising the newer cinema locations nearby, such as GSC LaLaport BBCC, which was within the vicinity of the now-closed GSC Berjaya Times Square. 

“It will also enable our on-ground crews to focus on strategic locations with higher footfall and population density,” she said.

Despite the existence of streaming services offering a similar service like cinemas, Koh was confident that it won’t pose a challenge to GSC, adding that cinemas offer “immersive experiences” as opposed to watching movies at home.

Affected by Hollywood writers’ strike

However, Koh conceded that the company had been impacted by recent incidents within the entertainment industry, such as the Hollywood writers’ strike last year, which saw new content production being brought to a halt and major Hollywood blockbusters being delayed indefinitely.

As such, she said it had resulted in a “lack of fresh and quality content from Hollywood” and subsequently affected overall admissions.

However, Koh said that these challenges will give GSC the chance to offer a formidable line-up of regional and local titles, which is in tandem with the company’s commitment to fortify the local movie landscape.

“We have a strong pipeline of regional titles from China, Indonesia, Singapore, and Korea that have helped to bridge the gap from less Hollywood titles. 

“With fresh and engaging content on the big screens, audiences will continue to flock to cinemas,” she said.

GSC clarifies

Following NST’s coverage on incomings closures, GSC has since unveiled its future plans to “increase market share in key locations and consolidate selected locations for operational efficiency”.

In a statement provided to WeirdKaya, the company said that this includes the launch of GSC KL East on May 20 and the consolidation of GSC Central Square Sungai Petani by early June, which will enable a strategic redeployment to GSC Amanjaya Mall.

“GSC’s commitment to innovation shines through its latest venture, GSC KL East Mall, strategically positioned in North KL. With 8 halls, including an IMAX hall and the third PlayPark in Malaysia, it caters to diverse audiences, particularly families and youth keen on action and animation.

“GSC has been championing beyond just movies to crafting complete future-ready entertainment experiences. This shift is highlighted in its recent launch of Aurum Theatre at The Exchange TRX and Velvet Cinemas by GSC at 163 Mont Kiara, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to delivering innovative entertainment options for our audience,” the statement read.

Towards the tail-end of 2023, several GSC cinemas have bid their final farewell to Malaysians: