MBO Cinemas has ceased operations nationwide after 23 years, ending the run of Malaysia’s once third-largest cinema chain

PETALING JAYA: MBO Cinemas has permanently shut down its operations nationwide as of yesterday.

In a statement, the entertainment company announced its farewell to moviegoers, saying: “The show is over. It has been our greatest privilege to serve you, our audience, and to be part of your cinematic experiences. From the cheers and laughter in packed halls to the quiet moments during heartfelt scenes, it meant the world to us.”

However, the company did not disclose the reason behind its closure after 23 years in operation.

At its peak in the late 2010s, the local cinema chain was Malaysia’s third-largest, behind Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) and TGV Cinemas, operating 26 branches nationwide.

MBO Cinemas entered liquidation in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Its assets were later acquired by Golden Screen Cinemas in 2021 before the brand was relaunched under new management.

In recent years, the chain had scaled down significantly and was left with only eight operating locations: Quayside Mall in Kota Kemuning, Brem Mall in Kepong, Harbour Place Mall in Klang, Melaka Mall and ElementX Mall in Melaka, Taiping Sentral Mall, U Mall in Skudai, and a sole theatre in Teluk Intan.

 The Sun Malaysia