RM20 For Bendi?! Nasi Kandar Outlets Are Finally Under Scrutiny For Overcharging Customers
Thanks to two recent highly-publicised cases involving Kayu Nasi Kandar, the issue of nasi kandar joints charging ridiculously high prices is getting the attention it deserves from the authorities and unknowing consumers.
Cover image via SAYS.com
Famous restaurant chain Kayu Nasi Kandar has found itself in hot soup several times over the past week as allegations of the restaurant overcharging its customers came to light
Image via Free Malaysia Today
Late last week, a Kayu branch in Bukit Jambul, Penang was raided by officials from the Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) after an angry customer complained about having to pay RM2.50 for roti telur
Image via Aishah Afandi / The Malay Mail Online
Three days later, the same branch received yet another visit from KPDNKK after another customer was charged a whopping RM20.00 for 5 stalks of okra (lady's fingers)!
Image via FunnyMalaysia
It should also be noted that the food items contained in the receipt were also charged at prices that are higher than any typical nasi kandar joint.
In explanation for the 20-ringgit okras, managing director Burhan Mohamed said that it was the result of a "human error" wherein the cashier accidentally typed in RM4.00 for each okra instead of 40 sen
Image via Muhammad Adib Hakim / The Rakyat Post
However, he maintained that the RM2.50 price tag for roti telur is "reasonable" as it is in line with the food quality and services provided by the restaurant
Image via Ramdzan Masiam / Berita Harian
Burhan also defended the restaurant's hiking up the prices of its food items, as the Customs Department had instructed that all prices be inclusive of GST
Image via The Star Online's YouTube
Then, two days ago, the following receipt began circulating on social media alleging that a Kayu branch in Petaling Jaya had charged RM11.00 for roti tisu
Although, to be fair, Kayu's roti tisu is pretty huge…
Image via Burpple
Following that, other disgruntled customers soon began pointing out their own experiences of being charged exorbitant prices for food – not just in Kayu, but other nasi kandar restaurants as well
Image via SAYS
Image via SAYS
Image via SAYS
Many pointed out that nasi kandar restaurant chains like Kayu have been charging "ridiculous" prices for their food way, way before GST was even implemented. In fact, some have even actively avoided stepping foot into such restaurants.
Image via SAYS
Image via SAYS
Image via SAYS
Optimistically, the authorities should be knocking on every food outlet's door to make sure that the GST is not misused for businessowners' own gains
Image via SAYS
However, business owners operate on a "willing buyer, willing seller" basis. It is within their right to set the prices they do as long as consumers are willing to pay them.
Image via SAYS
