Transformers has emerged as the biggest film of all-time in Malaysia, raking in a total of $4.9m (RM16.9m) as of July 29.

This is the third new box-office record being set in Malaysia within a three-month period, a testament to the country's extraordinary performance in an unprecedented record-breaking year.

First, Spider-Man 3 shattered King Kong's record ($3.55m/RM 12.3m) to become the top film of all-time with its takings of $4.85m/RM 16.8m. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End then grossed $3.92m (RM13.6m) and overtook King Kong to become the second-biggest film.

Last weekend, Transformers set new industry records when it regained the top spot at the box office in its fifth weekend, beating Harry Potter And The Order Of the Phoenix (which was in its third week) and the new Simpsons Movie.

Distributed locally by UIP on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Transformers opened on June 28 (one week ahead of the US) and scored the biggest opening non-holiday weekend. It took the top spot for two consecutive weeks before being knocked out to the second place by the opening of Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix .

'The industry box office has grown by over 30% in the first seven months, compared to the same period last year. We estimate we may close the year by at least 15-20% more than the previous year. This is definitely due to stronger products this year and new cinemas being built in the last few years,' said Nicholas Yong, managing director for UIP Malaysia and Singapore.

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