KPDN Issues Notice Against Restaurant That Charged RM20 For A Plate Of Ayam Goreng Kunyit
The owner of the restaurant has been given two days to justify the pricing.
By Melissa Alvina — 16 Jan 2024, 06:01 PM
The Kedah office of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) has issued a notice against a restaurant in Pantai Chenang, Langkawi, for charging RM20 for a plate of ayam goreng kunyit
According to Kosmo, Kedah KPDN enforcement head Affendi Rajini Kanth said they issued a Notice of Confirmation of Goods Information (NPMB) against the restaurant after a customer's post about her expensive meal went viral on social media.
In the post, a woman expressed her dissatisfaction by stating that she was charged RM20 for a serving of ayam goreng kunyit at the restaurant.
Additionally, she mentioned paying RM3 for plain rice and RM1 for a glass of water, bringing the total cost of the simple meal to RM24.
Following the experience, the woman expressed her dismay, stating, "That's why people say Langkawi is expensive."
"Do you think it is fair to be charged like this?" she asked.
Following the incident, KPDN conducted an inspection of the restaurant and issued a NPMB notice under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011
Affendi mentioned that upon inspecting the food prices at the premises, they found a total of 10 menu books provided for customers.
"The price of RM20 for the ayam goreng kunyit is indeed recorded, so in this case, the price is displayed," he said.
"However, we issued the notice, and the trader needs to justify the value or cost associated with that food price," he added.
Affendi stated that the owner has been given two days to justify the pricing.
Subsequently, the restaurant owner has since questioned the customer's motives for complaining on social media, given that she was aware of the prices before ordering
According to the New Straits Times, the owner, Zulfan Bustami, stated that the customer was provided with a menu, in which it was clearly indicated that the dish was priced at RM20.
The 43-year-old owner said despite seeing the price on the menu, the customer didn't raise any concerns before placing the order and while paying at the counter.
"Later, she takes to social media, inviting negative perceptions, what is her actual motive for doing this?" questioned Zulfan.
"I was not at the restaurant at the time of the incident, I only found out about it after being informed by the employees about the photos of the food and the receipt amounting to RM24 which had gone viral on social media," he added.
Zulfan also mentioned that he tried to contact the customer through Facebook to discuss the issue and express his readiness to meet and apologize. However, the customer has consistently ignored his messages.
Zulfan further stated that being a local, the customer should be aware of the relatively higher food prices around Pantai Chenang
"The customer is a local and she should be aware that the price of food around Pantai Chenang is slightly higher than other areas, because the rental rate for shops is higher in this area," he said.
Zulfan also added that the RM20 dish portion, which includes 160 grammes of chicken meat and various vegetables, is sufficient for two people.
