Berjaya Corporation Berhad has set up a multi-million ringgit fitness centre as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative to promote a healthy lifestyle amongst its employees.

Named the Sports Toto Fitness Centre, the centre takes up 16,000 sq ft in Berjaya Times Square and is aimed at providing the group's employees with a channel for recreation, leisure and exercise.

"This idea of a fitness centre was mooted because I personally believe in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We work hard, but we must also exercise harder," said Berjaya Corporation Berhad chairman and chief executive officer Tan Sri Vincent Tan.

The group spent RM3.8 million to equip the fitness centre with 34 cardiovascular machines from Life Fitness comprising treadmills, steppers, stationary bikes, cross trainers and one of the world's most popular rowers, the Concept 2.

The fitness centre, is also equipped with sauna and steam rooms as well as three Group Exercise studios -- the Body and Mind Yoga Zen Studio, multi-function Viva Studio and Spin Studio -- each able to accommodate up to 30 people per class.

There is also a free weights area and an array of pin-loaded weight machines and cable cross-over machines.

Professional fitness trainers and instructors are on hand to guide members on specific needs.

"By working out together, employees will also be able to motivate and encourage each other in their fitness regime as well as share tips on health related issues.

"It will also cultivate more team spirit and bonding between employees and contribute to better working relationships overall," said Tan.

Deputy Minister of Finance Datuk Wira Chor Chee Heung, who officiated the opening, said the fitness centre is a reflection of a forward-thinking company which adopts a proactive role in creating a healthy working environment for its employees.

"Employees are the assets of an organisation, and by providing a conducive work environment, the organisation will encourage higher productivity and job satisfaction, and give its employees a sense of work-life balance and fulfillment," said Chor.

He added that the initiative is an example of promoting CSR in the workplace which is in line with Bursa Malaysia 's CSR framework which focuses on the different aspects of CSR namely environment, workplace, community and marketplace.

The fitness centre is open to Berjaya Group's employees who only need to pay a minimal fee of RM50 per month to enjoy unlimited visits to the facility. About 4,000 of its employees work within the vicinity.

"I am happy to report that we have received tremendous response from our staff since we opened this facility for registration about two weeks ago. I was informed that more than 500 employees have signed up and I hope that upon this official opening, more of our own staff will take advantage of the facilities offered here," said Tan.

Apart from the fitness centre, the group also organises talks on health and conduct health screenings on a regular basis.

"We are always looking for ways to improve the quality of life for our employees. In fact, we have decided to set up a childcare centre for employees which will take up 2,000 to 3,000 sq ft in this building," said Tan.

The childcare centre will provide quality and affordable childcare services.

Tan said the group is also considering to set up a "healthy staff canteen" which will be subsidised by the group and serve only vegetarian meals.