Kuala Lumpur gym operators now enjoy significantly lower costs following a major policy change.
Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh announced an 80% reduction in gym licence fees in the capital, effective immediately.
The rate has dropped from RM50 to RM10 per square metre.
Fee Reduction Details
Yeoh explained that the adjustment came after three years of discussions with industry players, including the Malaysian Gymnasium Association.
Previously, gym operators typically paid around RM5,000 annually in licence fees.
Now, that amount falls to about RM1,000.
This change applies only to pure gyms.
Premises that include spas, massage services, cafes, or other commercial elements must obtain separate licences for those components.
Addressing Obesity Concerns
The minister highlighted alarming statistics from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023.
Overweight Malaysian adults account for about 32.6% of the population, roughly 6.86 million people.
Obese adults make up 21.8%.
Kuala Lumpur records the highest obesity rate in the country at 40.6%.
Putrajaya stands at 35.5%, and Labuan at 34.8%.
“Based on these worrying statistics, we have to take drastic action,” Yeoh said.
Encouraging Greater Participation
The government will not force operators to lower membership prices.
“We cannot tell them it is a must to give discounts, but we encourage them,” Yeoh noted.
Forcing price reductions would not be effective, she added.
Instead, she urged gyms to consider membership discounts during off-peak hours.
Special packages for senior citizens could also help attract more people to exercise regularly.
These steps aim to build a more active community in the face of rising health challenges.
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