Times are hard these days so it’s understandable why some businesses need to increase their prices. However, there have been cases of restaurants allegedly overcharging their customer for their meals.
Yesterday (Wednesday, 20th December), a man named Hussin TJ Abdullah posted on Facebook to complain about his recent experience of dining at Mekar Restaurant at Wisma Merdeka, Sabah. The screenshot shared below showed that the customer was quite upset about paying RM75 for his simple meal which include rice, vegetables and one squid.
The receipt showed how much each item cost but the one dish that got the Facebook user in disbelief was the squid or Sotong Manis which cost RM50 for one piece. “Be careful when you dine here, guys. Just look at the price! I was not the only one, others were overcharged as well. If you’ve never been there, DO NOT COME! They will empty your pockets later,” he wrote.
Netizens reacted to the post with many being just as shocked as Hussin. Some advised that he report this to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) in Kota Kinabalu. Others shared how they had similar experiences of being overcharged at that specific restaurant.
Thankfully, KPDN Sabah became aware of the incident and investigated the restaurant for their suspiciously expensive prices. Deputy Director, Zulfamy Mat Udi said that they will release an official statement once the inspection is completed. “Among the actions taken is checking the price marking and submitting a written notice for the premises stating every cost involved until the price is offered,” he told reporters.
It was reported that the restaurant owners are given two days to provide an explanation to justify the reasoning for the prices of their food. This case is currently being investigated under Section 12 of the Consumer Protection Act 1999 for placing misleading and unclear prices.
