Show's over as MBO Cinemas permanently shutters post-comeback

Local cinema brand MBO Cinemas announced its permanent closure on 11 March, marking the end of Malaysia’s third-largest cinema chain behind Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) and TGV.

In a social media post, the chain said: “We make this announcement with heavy hearts. After many incredible years, MBO Cinemas will now be ceasing operations permanently. The show is over.” Customers were directed to a customer care email for refund matters. The farewell note also expressed gratitude to patrons, highlighting that the memories created within its cinemas meant a great deal to the organisation.

A+M found that MBO’s website has since been deactivated, though its social media accounts remain active for now, with comments on its announcement posts limited. The closure comes as a surprise, given MBO’s comeback in 2021 after initially shuttering in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The chain returned under new management following the acquisition of its assets by GSC, and at its peak, operated cinemas across Selangor, Pahang, Melaka, Perak, and Johor, screening a mix of local and international films.

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This follows a similar recent closure by DADI Cinema at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, which ceased operations on 5 March 2026, though its outlet in Sungai Petani, Kedah, remains open. DADI had opened in Pavilion in 2021, taking over after GSC closed its 12-year outlet there in 2020.

These closures highlight broader challenges for cinemas in Malaysia and the region, especially as streaming platforms continue to disrupt traditional exhibition models. In Singapore, indie cinema The Projector entered voluntary liquidation in August 2025 after over a decade of showcasing alternative films, though the space has since reopened as Filmhouse under new ownership.

Globally, cinema markets are also feeling pressure—Australia’s media agency market fell 12.2% year-on-year in July due to post-Olympics lull, global uncertainty, and softer government ad spend.

Back home, PPB Group, owners of GSC, reported in its 3QFY25 results that film exhibition and distribution remains on solid footing. “Box office performance in the third quarter remained robust, supported by a strong mix of local, regional, and anime titles that resonated well with its diverse audience base,” it said. “Looking ahead, this segment is poised to end the year on a strong note, underpinned by an exciting pipeline of Hollywood blockbusters and anticipated local releases.”

As cinema closures reflect wider economic pressures on the industry and consumers, film distributors are exploring creative marketing approaches. Last year, Warner Bros Malaysia transformed everyday rides in Klang Valley into horror experiences to promote The Conjuring: Last Rites, surprising Grab passengers with characters Valak and Annabelle. Similarly, Final Destination: Bloodlines employed immersive out-of-home ads in Central i-City, Selangor, blending warning signs into the mall environment to unsettle shoppers.

Brands beyond the film industry are also engaging with movie-goers, with Colgate-Palmolive Malaysia's Softlan and Jasmine Food activating ASMR booths and product launches in cinemas, demonstrating the ongoing potential for creative partnerships despite closures.

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