KL Cuts Gym Licence Fees By 80% To Tackle Obesity & Diabetes

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Gym operators in Kuala Lumpur have been urged to pass on savings to the public following an 80% reduction in operating licence fees, which took effect on 1 January

Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh said gym licence fees have been reduced to RM10 per square metre, down from RM50 previously.

The move comes after engagement sessions with industry players, including the Malaysian Gymnasium Operators Association, amid growing concerns over non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

Yeoh noted that these lifestyle-related conditions are especially prevalent in urban areas, where sedentary routines and time constraints make regular exercise more difficult.

Citing the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey, she said 32.6% of Malaysians aged 18 and above — about 6.86 million people — are overweight

She added that the three highest overweight rates in the country were recorded in the Federal Territories:
– Kuala Lumpur: 40.6% (highest nationwide)
– Putrajaya: 35.5% (second highest)
– Labuan: 34.8% (third highest)

"This position indicates that the public health burden is more concentrated in metropolitan and federal administrative areas, thus requiring more responsive and targeted policy approaches at the city level," she said.

Yeoh called on gym operators to translate the reduced costs into tangible benefits for customers by offering more affordable rates and promotions

She suggested offering discounted memberships for off-peak hours, such as 6am to 8am and 5pm to 7pm, which could also help ease traffic congestion.

She also encouraged gyms to introduce special rates for senior citizens to promote active and healthy ageing.

"This measure reflects the government's commitment to strengthening a more active, inclusive urban ecosystem that supports the overall wellbeing of the people," she said.