Fitness First

Firstly, there is something I want to say: cost of living in Malaysia is higher than that in Singapore overall.

Why? Consider this: salary, in term of figures i.e. without taking into account of currency, is roughly the same in both countries. For example, if the starting salary of an actuarial executive at an insurance companie is RM2000 in Malaysia, then it is about S$2000 in Singapore. However, economic rice with 2 veg and 1 tofu costs about RM3 in Malaysia whereas it costs about $2.3 in Singapore, both at around the similar kind of shops and location.

Hence, given that salary is about the same, in term of figures, then it's important to consider how much each unit of that figure can buy. So, with the notable exception of houses, Singapore is 'cheaper'. There is no point converting the currency one into another as you would also have to do so for the goods too (exception would be savings that you bring across the causeway).

Specifically for Fitness First ("FF"), consider the following:
  1. FF platinum in SG fee is about S$126 while in KL the fee is about RM180
  2. FF platinum SG members can borrow towel and attire while in KL it's towel only.
  3. Guests in SG can borrow towel and attire. Guests in Malaysia can rent towel. No attire at all.
  4. Receptionist at SG greets every member and guest e.g. "Good morning and welcome to Fitness First" and followed by "Enjoy your workout, " after returning the member his card and they do these smilling at you. In KL, barely a few words. Don't even bother to look at you. No smiles.
It is very obvious that SG FF is much better and at a 'cheaper' price. I'm truly amazed.

Comments

Shake Trees said…
oh u joined FF. gud lor. got gym buddies but mine is not FF.

living expenses here is expensive. but taste wise, is better. :P

its just a greeting. dont take it too personally. i dont mind. i just go there for a workout for 1 hr.
Legolas said…
KL is a sad place isn't it? It turns you into robots, like the receptionist.
Jaded Jeremy said…
Koala Express,
No, I didn't join. Ban brings me as guest during weekend. The greeting wouldn't have mattered much if it isn't because the membership fee is 'more expensive' than that in SG.

Legolas,
Can see improvement over the years lah but seems to be at a snail pace.
savante said…
Still miles away to go before they reach such standards.
Jaded Jeremy said…
savante,
Yah lor. Haiz.
Anonymous said…
Not surprising... Was shocked with the price of formula milk compared to salary in Msia when I was there!
Anonymous said…
Oppsss...that last comment was me.

-Sis
MrBunnyBan said…
prices are going up, but salaries are not. It's a land for the elites, typical of developing nations.
Jaded Jeremy said…
Ban,
No neat answer though...
William said…
Actually one normally does not get better service in developed nations, just that Singaporeans are a demanding lot. :P
Jaded Jeremy said…
William,
On top of providing attire and towel, FF in HK provides socks too!
Janvier said…
How odd that you find the receptionists an unfriendly bunch. We get greeted and find them friendly.
Jaded Jeremy said…
Janvier,
Maybe they're the slow-to-warm-up kind? *shrug*
Twilight Man said…
I totally agreeeeeeeeeee with you! I wanna migrate!
Anonymous said…
For years I'd said Cost of Living in M'ysia is high. I've heard the same comments from M'ysians who visit S'pore regularly. Often I wondered how my friends could afford all the luxuries in their lives on M'ysian salaries. SR
Jaded Jeremy said…
SR,
Yah, I'm wondering too.
Anonymous said…
I too have observed the cost of living in M'ysia to be higher than SG. I often wonder how people still manage so well there. SR

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