The 1Fit fisco: How a popular fitness app left hundreds of Malaysians in the lurch
SHAH ALAM – Hundreds of Malaysian users have been left in limbo after the popular fitness app 1Fit abruptly shut down its operations this month.
Despite promoting and renewing memberships up until the very last days, the app's management blamed financial difficulties and announced a liquidation process, leaving users confused, frustrated and calling for government intervention.
1Fit CEO and founder Murat Alikhanov. Photo: 1Fit's official Instagram page.
From Fitness Favourite to Sudden Farewell
Known for its affordable access to a variety of workouts, from bouldering and pilates to gym and swimming sessions, 1Fit quickly gained popularity among Malaysian fitness enthusiasts. But on June 14, the company shocked its user base by announcing via Instagram that it was ceasing operations in Malaysia.
The announcement came alongside a video message from 1Fit Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder Murat Alikhanov, who cited unsustainable costs as the key reason for the shutdown.
'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 are deeply sorry that we could not take this further,' Alikhanov said.
He claimed 1Fit had invested USD4.2 million (RM17.8 million) into building its Malaysian platform, but despite their efforts, it had become unsustainable.
He provided refund instructions via a WhatsApp link, assuring users that refund requests would be processed in queue order and subject to available funds under a formal liquidation process.
Users Left Without Access or Answers
However, users who paid in advance for memberships ranging between RM1,500 to RM3,500 have been left without services or clarity.
Many were unable to use their full subscriptions, including Maine, a user who had paid RM2,500 for a 15-month plan but had only used it for 2.5 months since joining in April.
Her friend, who had been on the app for nearly a year, also suffered losses and had submitted a refund request, awaiting further updates.
As of the date of the closure, many users reported a lack of official communication and radio silence across 1Fit's support and social platforms.
A statement shared by affected users revealed that over 600 individuals have since joined a WhatsApp support group in hopes of coordinating efforts and sharing information.
Many voiced concerns that the only available refund process, a Google Form requiring users to agree that refunds are subject to queue order and available funds, felt untrustworthy and vague.
'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,' the group shared.
Was It a Scam? Users Question 1Fit's Ethics
Critics and users have taken to Instagram to vent their frustrations.
'What happens to those who recently paid over RM2,500 for a full-year membership? Why shut down so abruptly without any prior warning? After raising the membership price, the company suddenly closes. Was 1Fit a scam all along?' @aafiqazlan questioned.
User @idorashazlina tagged the police and demanded an investigation. 'You were just urging everyone to renew their membership and now, barely a week later, you pull this stunt? Something does not add up,' she said.
Another user, @yee_minnn, accused the company of knowingly misleading consumers.
'1Fit continued to actively promote and encourage renewals of their membership plans, despite allegedly being aware that they were on the brink of shutting down. This is a clear breach of ethical conduct,' he said.
International Complications and Calls for Government Action Adding to users' concerns is the fact that 1Fit also previously shut down in Mexico, allegedly without refunding users there.
To make matters more complicated, Alikhanov is reportedly based in Kazakhstan, creating cross-border legal barriers that hinder Malaysian users from pursuing direct legal action or claiming refunds.
Affected users are now urging the Malaysian government to intervene, calling on the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), the Communications and Digital Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry to step in.
'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 ministries to break the silence and stand up for Malaysian consumers now,' the statement added.
What Now for Users?
As of now, there is no new official statement from 1Fit and refund status remains unclear.
Users have been advised to document their payments, join user support groups and report the issue to consumer protection agencies like KPDN or National Consumer Complaints Centre (NCCC).
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