This is truly good news for the members of True Fitness!
Just hours ago, the authorities have weighed in on the True Fitness issue where thousands of gym members were left stranded after all branches in Malaysia shut down abruptly.
Source: Astro Awani
However, members of True Fitness and True Spa are now eligible to claim up to RM25,000 through the Malaysian Consumer Claims Tribunal (MCCT), according to Datuk Hamzah, Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism (KPDNKK).
“The problem with people is that they do not consult us before they sign these agreements. When it closes down suddenly, they expect the ministry to answer,” he said.
“The maximum we can handle is RM25,000. For those who have paid more than RM25,000 each, we can’t reimburse that amount. We can only do this much,” he added.
In order for the ministry to process the members’ claims, they must first provide proof of payment and documents to prove their membership, according to The Star.
After CHi Fitness announced on Facebook that they do not accept any membership transfer from True Fitness, many members were disappointed again.
Hence, the news of members being able to get compensated has certainly brought new hope, especially the ones who has purchased the VIP Founder membership, which costs over RM8,000.
Source: Facebook
It’s also definitely better than the solution offered by True Fitness. Here’s what was written in an email to a member.
“Kindly note that should you wish to continue to enjoy access to True Group centres in Singapore and Taiwan, you will be required to proceed to any of the centres in Singapore to do a conversion. In line with this, your annum renewal fee will also be adjusted accordingly to SGD $99 (RM309).
“Kindly note that upon conversion of the membership, you will not be able to access CHi Fitness centres.”
Yeah, I don’t think it’s very convenient to head to Singapore or Taiwan to gym on a weekly basis.
Well, at least the members now know that KPDNKK has got their back. But what about the employees of the company?
According to MMO, former fitness manager of True Fitness, Shahrul Hamiri told the reporters that the company failed to pay a total of RM66,000 in commissions to 18 personal trainers.
Source: MMO
“We have gotten our salaries for last month. We just want to fight for our commissions and also a compensation for being retrenched without notice,” Shahrul said.
“Even ex-staff who resigned before this have lodged complaints over unpaid commissions today,” he added.
He also revealed the employees began noticing signs of distress at the company as early as June last year, when the payment of salaries and commission were delayed.
Shahrul, who had been working for the company for seven years, claimed that the management would not pick up their phone calls. Shahrul, along with other ex-employees, have lodged a report to the Labour Department.
Let’s hope the trainers will receive their commissions soon as they worked hard to get those numbers for the company!
Also read: True Fitness Members STILL Being Charged for Membership After Gym Closure
