The Perlis state government is considering introducing gender-segregated seating in cinemas, similar to the policy recently implemented in Terengganu.
According to Sin Chew Daily, State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Asrul Aimran said that since no cinemas have opened yet in Perlis, the government wants to ensure entertainment outlets follow local guidelines from the very beginning.
Separated into male, female and family
We intend to set rules requiring cinemas to provide three seating zones: male, female, and family. This way, there won’t be a need to make adjustments or changes later on,” he told reporters after attending the Perlis state executive council meeting.
Asrul noted that while neighbouring Kedah, also governed by Perikatan Nasional, has not introduced gender-segregated seating, Perlis prefers Terengganu’s approach.
We want to ensure that entertainment complies with Islamic guidelines — not just by separating men and women but also by keeping the cinema lighting slightly brighter rather than completely dark,” he said.
Cinema to be opened soon
The upcoming Kangar Jaya township is set to feature a new shopping mall that will include a cinema. However, Asrul revealed that while cinema operators have verbally expressed interest in opening there, the state has yet to receive any official business applications.
Perlis once had several cinemas, including three in Kangar and one each in Kuala Perlis, Padang Besar, and Kaki Bukit. However, these cinemas gradually closed down, with Kangar’s last remaining cinema shutting its doors about 20 years ago.
