A student recently sparked debate online after claiming he was charged RM18 for an economy rice meal with just one meat and two vegetables.
Many netizens were shocked by the price, calling it outrageous for a “budget” meal.
But now, the stall owner is clapping back and she says the viral photo was misleading, according to China Press.
“He rearranged the food before taking the photo”
According to the stall owner, CCTV footage showed the student using his spoon and fork to push the food together before taking the photo.
The owner claimed this was done deliberately to make it look like a small portion and stir public outrage.
He adjusted the food and avoided showing the sauce. The photo makes it look like a small meal when in fact, it was quite a lot,” she told reporters.
She also clarified that the student had taken a fairly large portion, especially of pork belly, which is expensive. From her perspective, the RM18 price was fair.
“If he took it right after getting the food, we’d understand”
The owner said she wouldn’t have minded if the student had snapped the photo immediately after receiving the food.
But the rearranged plating and selective camera angles made it seem like the meal was overpriced, something she claims hurt her reputation.
Student responds: “It’s just a habit”
In response, the student admitted to moving the food around before photographing it.
However, he insisted it wasn’t with bad intentions. He said it’s simply a habit to tidy up his plate before eating.
He also stood by his claim that the portion still didn’t match the RM18 price tag.
