KFC And McDonald's Are Being Investigated For Sudden Price Hikes After SST
The move follows multiple complaints from the public about price increases at the two fast food chains.
By Alyssa J. Oon — 28 Dec 2018, 01:03 PM
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) has launched an investigation on fast food chains KFC and McDonald's following complaints from the public about a price increase at both chains
KPDNHEP deputy director of enforcement Datuk Iskandar Halim Sulaiman.
Image via KPDNKK-Laman Rasmi/FacebookKPDNHEP deputy director of enforcement Datuk Iskandar Halim Sulaiman confirmed with Astro Awani that an investigation had been launched yesterday, 27 December.
"Yes, we are also looking at the price of food at McDonald's. Currently, the issue is with KFC but we will also collect information regarding the price of food at McDonald's," Iskandar said.
The issue came to light following a viral post by a Facebook user claiming the prices at KFC had increased by at least RM3 from its previous price
The user, who goes by "Khalid Johar" on Facebook, claimed the prices were "outrageous".
Khalid shared the before and after prices of three KFC sets:
- Snack Plate (normal hours) increased from RM12.30 to RM15.30,
- Dinner Plate (normal hours) increased from RM15.60 to RM19.60, and
- Super Jimat Box D increased from RM12.50 to RM15.50.
However, QSR Brands (M) Holdings Berhad - who is the parent company of KFC - released a statement debunking the post, clarifying that the prices shown in the photos were from several years ago
Managing director Mohamed Azahari Mohamed Kamil said that the there were no drastic price increases on KFC's menu.
"We wish to clarify that starting from December 2018, our listed prices are inclusive of 6% Sales and Services Tax (SST). There are some marginal adjustments to the price of our products to ensure we are able to continue providing our customers with the same quality, finger-licking good chicken without compromise," Mohamed Azahari told Malaysiakini yesterday, 27 December.
In a follow-up statement on the same day, he further clarified that SST was not to blame for the price increase.
"The marginal price adjustment has no relation to the SST, as previously the rate of 6% goods and services tax (GST) was similarly charged to our customers," Mohamed Azahari said, reported Malay Mail.