Former members prepare to sue True Fitness
PETALING JAYA: Former customers of True Fitness & True Spa, whose memberships are now in limbo following the gym’s abrupt closure, can still commence their legal action in Malaysia although the company is based in Singapore.
Alex Netto, a lawyer and True Fitness member representing the affected customers, said this is because the case involves contracts that were entered into in Malaysia, the Star Online reported.
“We didn’t go to Singapore and sign these contracts. So, we will commence action in Malaysia and work with the police on this,” he told reporters here yesterday.
Earlier, Netto and a team of lawyers from the DNFN legal firm, briefed about 250 members on possible legal avenues at Jaya 33 here, where one of True Fitness outlets previously operated.
The members were divided into four groups: fixed term/pre-paid memberships, VIP Black Card, Founder (lifetime) memberships and newly signed-up members since May 7, 2017.
This will help lawyers establish their proof of membership before they prepare potentially what will be a class-action suit.
Netto said the number of people that turned up to the meeting showed that they were “clearly frustrated” and wanted swift action.
“There must be some level of corporate responsibility here. You can’t just do business today and pack up and leave the next day.
“This situation could have been easily avoided if proper notice was given to the members,” he said.
Netto said while former members may take their case to the Malaysian Consumer Claims Tribunal (MCCT), the law stipulates that they will not be entitled to legal representation there.
He said this in response to Domestic Trade Cooperative and Consumerism (KPDNKK) Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin, who said that the members could claim up to RM25,000 through the tribunal.
Last week, the fitness chain released a statement announcing that it was shutting down its operations in Malaysia effective June 10.
It said it was ceasing all gym and spa facility operations in Malaysia as it was “no longer financially viable” due to evolving market conditions.
The abrupt closure left 100 True Fitness Malaysia staff jobless and thousands of members more left in the lurch.
Former employees are also accusing True Fitness Malaysia of not paying over RM66,000 in salaries and commissions, although the company said they would settle this by Monday.