Complaints to Hong Kong watchdog against Physical gym chain involve HK$17 million

The amount of money involved in complaints against a recently closed fitness chain has exceeded HK$17 million (US$2.2 million), Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has revealed, with the biggest sum at HK$653,600.

The Consumer Council said on Sunday that it had received 521 complaints within two days of Physical Health Centre abruptly closing all its branches, while hundreds of disgruntled members and former employees separately sought help from a trade union group and a district councillor.

As of 8pm on Sunday, the total amount involved in the complaints to the consumer watchdog had reached HK$17,393,652, nearly tripling the figure from the previous day.

The average sum involved was HK$33,385, with the biggest claim at HK$653,600 and the lowest at HK$1,000, the council said.

It said it was “highly concerned” about the news of the fitness chain’s closure, and would pay “close attention” to any developments.