The Perlis state government is looking into introducing gender-segregated seating in cinemas, taking inspiration from the policy recently enforced in Terengganu.

State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Asrul Aimran said that since Perlis doesn’t yet have any operating cinemas, the government wants to set the rules early so entertainment outlets comply with local guidelines right from the start.

A new cinema in Perlis is set to open with gender-separated seating.
Image credit: Tima Miroshnichenko (Pexel) For illustration purpose only

“We intend to have cinemas provide three seating zones which are male, female, and family. That way, there won’t be a need for adjustments later on,” he told reporters after the state executive council meeting.

The timing of this announcement comes as Perlis prepares for the opening of a new shopping mall in the Kangar Jaya township, which is expected to house a cinema. While operators have shown interest in setting up there, no formal applications have been submitted yet.

Asrul Aimran announced that Perlis will follow Terengganu’s example by introducing gender-segregated seating in cinemas
Asrul Aimran announced that Perlis will follow Terengganu’s example by introducing gender-separated seating in cinemas.
Image credit: Sin Chew Daily

How does gender-segregated seating look?

Unlike their neighbor Kedah, which has not imposed such measures, Perlis is leaning towards Terengganu’s stricter approach. Asrul added that the rules would go beyond seating, with cinemas also required to keep the lights slightly brighter instead of being fully dark, in line with Islamic guidelines.

To give a better view, a prime example of how gender-segregated seating would be TGV at Mesra Mall. Movie halls are divided into 3 categories, which are:

  • Male
  • Female
  • Families
Seating layout of the upcoming Perlis cinema: pink for female patrons, dark blue for male patrons, and light blue for families

There will be different colored seats indicated on the seating plan layout during your ticket purchase. Please purchase your tickets according to the seats indicated.

  • Blue seat: For men only
  • Pink seat: For women only
  • Light blue seat: For families only

Under families, the term refers to:

  • Married couples
  • Siblings
  • Parents and their children
  • Guardians of underaged children

Prior to this, Perlis once had a handful of cinemas, with three in Kangar and one each in Kuala Perlis, Padang Besar, and Kaki Bukit. Over the years, they gradually shut down, with the last cinema in Kangar closing about two decades ago.

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