GYMS are urged to pass on cost savings, following an 80% reduction in their operating licence fees in Kuala Lumpur.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the licence fee is now RM10 per sqm, compared to RM50 charged since January this year.
The reduction follows engagement sessions with industry players, including the Malaysian Gymnasium Operators Association (PPGM).
She noted that in the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, the rate of overweight Malaysians aged 18 and above had reached 32.6%, equivalent to 6.86 million people.
“The three highest rates nationwide were recorded in the Federal Territories, comprising Kuala Lumpur at 40.6%, Putrajaya at 35.5% and Labuan at 34.8%.
“This shows that the public health burden is more concentrated in metropolitan and federal administrative areas,” she said at a press conference at Menara DBKL 1 in Kuala Lumpur.
Yeoh urged operators to channel the benefits to the community through membership discounts and by providing special rates for senior citizens.
“There are 197 licensed gyms in KL as of 2025,” she said.
“The licence fee reduction applies exclusively to gyms; it does not include spas or cafe-concept health centres.”
Yeoh said the gym licence fee reduction initiative will start in Kuala Lumpur, followed by Putrajaya and Labuan.
She said after Ramadan, the ministry would roll out free exercise programmes at public housing projects.
Also present at the press conference were Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud and PPGM president K. Krishna Kumar.
Krishna Kumar said there were many unlicensed gyms in the city due to the high fees.
“We hope that with the reduction, more will apply for proper licences to ensure they operate legally.” — By AIDA AHMAD
