1Fit, an application that provides access to various sports and gym activities, recently took to their Instagram account to announce that they are shutting down operations in Malaysia after allegedly investing USD4.2 million (RM17,833,190) into building 1Fit in Malaysia but ultimately finding it unsustainable.
Founder and CEO, Murat Alikhanov, explained this in a video while adding instructions on how active users can apply for a refund for their subscription.
“This is not how we wanted the story to end. We are heartbroken, for our team, for our partners and for our users who loved the product. To everyone who supported us, thank you. To our Malaysian community, we’re deeply sorry that we couldn’t take this further.”
“We know there will be unanswered questions, and we will do our best to handle everything with integrity and care. Right now, we’re focused on ceasing operations according to Malaysian law. We will follow up when there is enough clarity. If you have an active subscription, please address an Instagram post next to this video; it will have the instructions on how to request a refund. If you are a gym or a studio that works with us, we will contact every one of you personally,” he said.
In the above-mentioned Instagram post, they announced that, due to insufficient funding, they will be initiating a formal liquidation process to wind down operations and settle obligations.
This meant that all refund requests will be processed in strict queue order and subject to available funds, in accordance with the liquidation procedure. Those requesting refunds would also have to do so via a link that goes to a 1Fit WhatsApp chat.
Alleged lack of communication in regards to refunds
In a press release shared to WORLD OF BUZZ by a Malaysian 1Fit user, it appears that there are about 600 1Fit users who have joined a WhatsApp group channel.
This image is for illustration purposes only.
“Users who had subscribed, many of whom paid in full (ranging from RM1,500 to RM3,500) for plans, were left with no access to the fitness application they had paid for, and the only form of refund procedure was via a Google Form. Suspiciously, it also asked users to tick a box confirming that they “understand refunds will follow queue order and available funds“,”
“To date, many affected users have reported a lack of official communication from 1Fit regarding reimbursements. The company’s social media platforms and customer support channels have gone silent, leading to growing concerns over transparency and accountability,” they shared.
They added that 1Fit has apparently not been transparent about how they are going to compensate active users.
“As of June 14, 2025 (Saturday), 10am, there is no official statement from 1Fit addressing the refund issue or detailing their plans, if any, to compensate Malaysian customers. Those affected are advised to document their payment history, monitor official channels for updates, and consider filing complaints with relevant consumer protection agencies,” they explained.
They have since urged other Malaysian 1Fit users and partners to join the WhatsApp channel and share their experiences.
Malaysian users want the authorities to step in
They also pointed out how 1Fit had also shut down their operations in Mexico and allegedly have yet to provide refunds to their customers there.
Due to this, as well as that 1Fit’s Murat Alikhanov is reportedly in Kazakhstan, placing a legal and regulatory barrier between Malaysian users and any potential restitution, the Malaysian users are calling for the Malaysian authorities to step in and push for cross-border cooperation with Kazakhstan in regards to this incident.
“The 1Fit episode represents more than a failed startup, but a wake-up call for how well Malaysia protects its citizens from businesses such as this. We urge the Ministry of Domestic Trade, the Ministry of Communications and Digital, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to break the silence—and stand up for Malaysian consumers now.”
WORLD OF BUZZ has since reached out to 1Fit Malaysia for comment, but has yet to hear back.
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