The economy might be bad, but it can’t possibly be that bad … could it?
The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs (KPDNKK) has issued a show cause notice to the operators of a food court in a Kuching shopping mall over allegations that they have been charging customers unduly expensive prices for drinks.
The issue became something of a viral sensation after several people posted to Facebook photos of their receipts from the food court: RM8.40 for two glasses of iced Milo, RM2.80 for a mug of green tea, and RM6.40 for two glasses of iced lemon tea.
Abdul Hafiz A Rahim, deputy director of Kuching’s KPDNKK told mStar that the notice, which falls under Section 21 of the Price Controls and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, was issued as officers from the ministry conducted an investigation on the food court.
“The operator was given seven days to explain the prices imposed on dishes and drinks served at the premises,” he said.
Abdul Hafiz added that the ministry’s investigation would take into account the operating costs of the food court and the profit margin on the items offered at the food court before any action would be taken against the operator.
“We have to look at the profit margins first. If they are excessive or unreasonable, we will take action.”
