We’ve heard numerous stories of customers complaining about restaurants increasing prices for simple meals like mixed rice or roti canai. Recently, a local tourist complained about the shocking price of a plate of ayam kunyit (turmeric fried chicken) at a food stall in Chenang Beach, Langkawi.
According to the Facebook post, Hada Jais paid about RM20 for a serving of ayam kunyit, RM3 for a serving of rice and RM1 for a cup of iced water, totalling RM24. In her post, Hada wrote, “No wonder people are saying Langkawi is expensive. Do you think it’s worth it to pay this price? RM3 for white rice, this simple stir-fried turmeric chicken for one costs RM20, and RM1 for iced water. All that cost me RM24.” Hada also included an image of the stall she ate at in Chenang Beach to warn others about making the same mistake she did.
The Facebook post soon went viral on various social media sites, with many expressing their shock at the price of the meal, agreeing that it was too expensive. Many said the dish is more expensive than the average price in Kuala Lumpur, even including some examples. The post also led many to lament about stall owners in tourist spots like Langkawi who deliberately bump their prices to take advantage and overcharge tourists.
After the post went viral, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living (KPDN) issued a notice, urging the stall to detail their preparation cost for the RM24 meal. According to the Kedah KPDN Director, Affendi Rajini Kanth, the stall owner must submit all information regarding the cost of the meal within two working days.
Affendi added, “The price of the ayam kunyit meal was indeed RM20, as displayed (on the menu). However, with the notice issued, the trader will have to justify the value or the cost with the price of the food.” He also urged customers to double-check the prices and refer to the Consumer Protection Act 1999, which gives consumers the right to obtain information about items like food before placing an order.
We hope the stall can justify their prices and that customers will make better choices the next time they visit a restaurant.
