1Fit, once celebrated for revolutionising the fitness scene in Malaysia with its flexible and affordable class offerings, has officially announced the end of its operations in the country. The abrupt closure has left users reeling, particularly those who had invested in long-term memberships.
The platform allowed members to access a wide range of workout options—from Pilates and bouldering to swimming and gym sessions—under a single subscription plan. For many, it was a cost-effective way to enjoy variety and convenience in their fitness routine. However, in a sudden statement shared via their official social media accounts, 1Fit revealed that it has entered a formal liquidation process due to inadequate funding.
No More Bookings or Membership Access
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In the announcement, the company stated that all services had been suspended with immediate effect. Users would no longer be able to make new bookings or purchases, and all existing memberships were now void. The platform also posted a video featuring 1Fit CEO Murat Alikhanov, who confirmed the company’s inability to maintain operations despite numerous efforts to sustain the business. He added that users could request refunds via a link provided in their bio, though many have since voiced concerns about the lack of clarity and transparency surrounding the refund timeline.
Consumers Express Frustration Over Timing and Communication
The timing of the announcement and the lack of early warnings have stirred considerable backlash online. Users questioned why 1Fit continued to promote and sell memberships—some costing upwards of RM2,000—even in the days leading up to the shutdown. There were also criticisms regarding the platform’s use of influencers and fitness ambassadors (KOLs) to attract new sign-ups, potentially while knowing the company was no longer financially viable.
One user commented, “It is unacceptable that 1Fit was still pushing RM2K annual plans and asking KOLs to get more people to sign up, while knowing full well they were going to shut down. It shows a complete lack of respect for paying customers.”
Personal Stories of Loss
Several members have come forward to share their frustrations and financial losses. A recent subscriber, told that she paid RM2,500 for a 15-month membership after being introduced to 1Fit by a friend. Unfortunately, she only managed to use the platform for 2.5 months before it was shut down.
“I was really enjoying the flexibility and the variety of classes. It fit my schedule and lifestyle perfectly. To see it all disappear so suddenly is heartbreaking—and unfair,” she said.
Her friend, a longer-term member, is also affected and has already submitted a refund request, but has yet to receive any confirmation.
The Fitness Community Steps Up
Amid the fallout, many of 1Fit’s former partner gyms and studios have chosen to support the affected users rather than turn them away. A growing number of businesses are now offering free trial classes or heavily discounted packages to ex-1Fit members, with some even honouring active memberships for a limited time.
This compassionate response from the fitness industry highlights its resilience and customer-first mindset. It has been especially encouraging for users who suddenly find themselves without access to workouts they had come to rely on.
Lessons in Accountability and Consumer Protection
While 1Fit’s liquidation may have been a business decision driven by economic realities, the manner in which it was handled has raised serious questions about consumer protection, transparency, and corporate responsibility. Many are now calling for stronger regulations on subscription-based platforms and more robust safeguards to prevent consumers from being left in the lurch.
With fitness increasingly moving into the digital and app-based space, the 1Fit incident may serve as a cautionary tale for startups and users alike. It underscores the importance of transparency, timely communication, and fair treatment of paying customers—especially when things go wrong.
What Happens Next?
As affected users wait for further updates on the refund process, the full scale of the impact is still unfolding. Whether refunds will be processed promptly remains unclear, and questions linger about whether legal action may be taken by disgruntled members.
For now, many are left disappointed, financially affected, and wary of future fitness tech offerings. The hope is that this experience will lead to better consumer protections in the digital wellness industry going forward.
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media & various cross-references for context.
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