Nowadays, it’s getting harder to have a decent meal that doesn’t burn one’s pockets as inflation is hitting everyone hard, leading to increased prices.
However, there are times where customers are upfront charged exorbitant prices, just like this man who simply wanted to pair his mixed rice with squid.
M’sian man cries foul over RM50 squid
Taking to Facebook to rant about his expensive meal, a netizen named Hussin TJ Abdullah claimed that a certain stall in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, was bleeding customers dry with their prices.
Attached with the post were two photos, one of his mixed rice and the other the receipt of his order.
According to the receipt, Hussin ordered two plates of white rice, chicken, vegetables, squid, and two drinks, which totaled to RM75.
However, the kicker was the squid, where he was charged RM50 just for one piece.
Unsurprisingly, this left him speechless and angry, where he urged others to avoid patronising the stall.
Be careful when dining here as they charge whatever they like. I’m not the only one who experienced this…others have gone through it too.
“As for those who haven’t been here yet, don’t come. Your pockets will be left empty,” he wrote.
Netizens shocked by price
In the comment section, netizens couldn’t believe what they had just seen and expressed their thoughts over the incident.
One commented that the RM50 squid was equivalent to a day’s worth of wages.
Another sarcastically said that the stall had a Michelin star which allowed them to set such high prices.
Another netizen urged Hussin to lodge a complaint with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) over the exorbitant price.
Restaurant probed over pricing
It didn’t take long for the issue to catch the attention of KPDN, who swiftly moved into action and paid the stall a visit.
In a statement by Sabah KPDN enforcement head Zulfamy Mat Udi, he said the stall is currently being probed for misleading and unclear pricing practices, reported NST.
Based on photos taken during the operation, the stall did display the prices of its food and beverages, including one stating that each piece of squid was being sold between M20 to RM100.
Zulfamy said the stall has been given two days to give a formal explanation justifying the prices.
The ministry advises the premises owner to provide clearer information on the prices for small, medium, and large-sized sweet squids.
“By implementing specific pricing labels, it can avoid confusion among consumers. KPDN also encourages the public to inquire about the pricing with store owners before making the purchase,” he said.
Read about how a man was floored when he was charged RM107 for satay and nasi himpit here:
