The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) says gyms cannot operate in accordance with the Movement Control Order (MCO) which has been extended to June 9.
MITI secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali confirmed this with Twentytwo13 amid talk that a certain gym would open its doors soon.
Members and other operators claim they were informed the gym was given approval by MITI but with restricted opening hours.
Lokman said MITI is not allowed to approve businesses that are prohibited by the National Security Council (NSC).
Gymnasiums, indoor activities and swimming in public pools are among the sporting activities prohibited by NSC.
“We must abide by NSC’s rules. We are in no position to allow businesses in the prohibited list to operate,” clarified Lokman.
“If gym operators claim they received approval from MITI, there is no such thing.”
“There have not been any meetings or exemptions for gyms or indoor sporting activities to operate.”
Twentytwo13, had on May 5, highlighted how the gym business has been affected by the MCO.
In another article published a day earlier, veteran sports administrator Datuk Sieh Kok Chi told Twentytwo13 that private trainers are “victims” of Covid-19 and that they should find new ways to render their services.
Following the Twentytwo13 articles, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican confirmed efforts are being made to address the plight of private trainers and gymnasium operators.
Many gym enthusiasts are eager to sweat it out but are afraid of a Covid-19 breakout given the often limited space, especially in neighbourhood gyms.
