Gym operators appeal for resumption of operations

KUALA LUMPUR: Private gym owners and operators are appealing to the government to revise the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enable them to resume operations.

According to them the closure of the gyms and fitness centres during the Movement Control Order which is now coming close to nine months has left many business owners with no choice but to permanently close their shutters.

In a joint statement today, S.Jayagobi and Kevin Lius Silvaraju, who currently run multiple Anytime Fitness franchise outlets throughout the city centre, gym operators still have to pay their workers' salaries, utilities and rental, despite not having any business.

"We are appealing to the government to allow us to re-open as soon as possible since the number of fully vaccinated adults in Klang Valley has reached 86.9 per cent as of yesterday.

"On behalf of the private gym owners and operators nationwide, we applaud the government's tireless efforts to safeguard the health of the Malaysia's population from the coronavirus," Jayagobi said.

He said entry to gyms and fitness centres should be strictly allowed for fully vaccinated individuals after producing their digital vaccination certificate on the MySejahtera application in addition to limiting the number of patrons in the premises and observing physical distancing.

Meanwhile, Kevin said he hoped that the government would consider their appeal and allow them to operate next month.

He also urged gym members to bring their own towels as part of the premises' hygiene measures and ensure safety of all parties.

-- BERNAMA