High-profile fitness trainer faces worker abuse and wildlife charges
Behind a public persona, a well-known fitness trainer faces serious charges, including alleged staff assault and illegal wildlife possession, exposing a hidden side to his image. - AFP photo for illustration purpose only
SHAH ALAM – A well-known fitness trainer with a substantial social media following has been charged in court over claims of physically assaulting his staff and breaching wildlife protection laws.
According to the New Straits Times, the 37-year-old man, who owns a popular fitness centre, was arrested following multiple police reports filed by former employees alleging sustained physical and emotional abuse.
One of the key complainants, Afiq Zakwan Johari, 27, served as the trainer's personal assistant and claims to have endured six months of repeated assaults and threats.
Initially hesitant to come forward due to alleged threats made against his family, Afiq eventually lodged a formal report after confiding in relatives.
According to local portal, Afiq started working at the gym in September 2023 and initially saw his employer as generous and supportive, often treating him with trust and importance.
However, he claimed the working environment drastically changed towards the end of the year, which he believed might have been triggered by a decline in business.
The employer allegedly became increasingly volatile, often reacting with sudden bursts of anger and resorting to physical violence using anything within reach, including cables or his bare hands.
The abuse was said to have taken place not only at the workplace but also at the employer's residence, sometimes occurring in front of other staff members.
"I wasn't the only one. Everyone working closely with him has been assaulted at some point. Only the cleaners were spared, probably because they don't interact with him much,' Afiq said.
It was further claimed that several employees who worked closely with the employer had experienced similar treatment; only the cleaners were spared, likely due to limited interaction.
The alleged final incident took place on June 16, when Afiq claims he was struck repeatedly with a treadmill cable.
He has since received medical treatment. Four other former employees have now come forward with similar allegations.
One colleague had attempted to report the abuse last year but later withdrew the complaint.
Police arrested the suspect following the reports and raided his home in Petaling Jaya.
During the operation, authorities discovered an undocumented Sri Lankan domestic worker, believed to be another victim of abuse.
They also found several protected species being illegally kept as pets, including a langur, a wildcat and a sun bear.
Shah Alam district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim confirmed the suspect has been charged with four counts of assault, to which he pleaded not guilty.
He is also under investigation for human trafficking offences under Section 13 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
The Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) is expected to file charges under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.
Following a nine-day remand, the accused was released on bail.
In an earlier statement to the New Straits Times, he dismissed the allegations as 'lies'.
The assault charges, which fall under voluntarily causing hurt with a weapon, carry a maximum penalty of ten years' imprisonment, a fine, whipping, or any combination of these upon conviction.
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