The historic Grand Majestic Cinema, the city’s oldest surviving movie house, has been saved from the brink of permanent closure by an anonymous donor. The 98-year-old landmark was scheduled for demolition next month to make way for a luxury high-rise development, sparking months of protests from local heritage activists. In a dramatic turn of events today, the cinema’s board announced that a private benefactor has cleared all outstanding debts and purchased the land title to preserve the building as a cultural heritage site.

The mystery donor, who has requested to remain completely anonymous, reportedly contributed a staggering RM25 million to ensure the cinema’s survival and fund a complete restoration of its iconic Art Deco interior. The funds will be managed by a newly formed non-profit trust, which plans to modernize the projection equipment while maintaining the original 1920s aesthetic. This intervention has been hailed as a "miracle for local culture" by the city’s arts community, which had feared the loss of the last remaining single-screen theater in the region.

Renovation work is set to begin immediately, with plans to reopen the venue as a community arts hub by early 2027. The project will include a film museum, a classic cinema hall, and a space for local independent filmmakers to showcase their work. City officials have also confirmed they are now fast-tracking a "Heritage Status" designation for the building to prevent any future threats of redevelopment, ensuring that this cinematic treasure remains protected for future generations.