KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA March 3, 2026 – The operating licence fee for gymnasiums in Kuala Lumpur has been slashed by 80%, from RM50 to RM10 per square metre, effective January 2026.
The move, announced today by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, follows direct engagement sessions with industry players including the Malaysian Gymnasium Operators Association (PPGM).
The reduction forms part of a broader push to address rising non-communicable diseases in urban areas, where inactive lifestyles and time constraints have contributed to worrying health trends.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, 32.6% of Malaysians aged 18 and above — approximately 6.86 million people — are overweight. The Federal Territories recorded the three highest rates in the country:
– Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur: 40.6% (highest nationally)
– Federal Territory of Putrajaya: 35.5% (second highest)
– Federal Territory of Labuan: 34.8% (third highest)
“Cases of obesity, diabetes and hypertension continue to show a worrying trend, particularly in urban areas,” the media statement noted, adding that the public health burden is most concentrated in metropolitan and Federal administrative centres.
The MADANI Government is urging gymnasium operators to pass on the cost savings to the community through two key initiatives:
– Membership discounts for exercise sessions between 6.00–8.00 am and 5.00–7.00 pm to encourage physical activity outside peak hours and help ease urban traffic congestion; and
– Special rates or discounts for senior citizens to support active and healthy ageing.
“This measure reflects the MADANI Government’s commitment to strengthening a more active, inclusive urban ecosystem that supports the overall well-being of the people,” the statement concluded.
The fee adjustment is expected to make gym memberships more affordable and encourage greater participation in physical activity across the capital.
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