Cover image via Bunga Raya Popiah 春興薄饼 (Facebook)
When a few longtime fans of the Bunga Raya Popiah food truck recently aired their grievances, the owner didn't hold back in his response
"Doesn't taste like it used to," wrote one self-proclaimed popiah loyalist of 30 years.
"Too expensive now," another chimed in.
"This popiah not nice how can you review, lousy taste la," said one more.
And in what was arguably the most unhinged take of all: "Crazy, third world dishes, the high cholesterol will kill you already, well done for promoting this kind of total junk food."
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After reading the comments, the popiah seller took to Facebook with a raw, emotional (and kind of iconic) response — part heartfelt gratitude, part roast, and fully unfiltered Malaysian small biz realness
According to him, he's open to constructive criticism and willing to improve, but if you're just talking nonsense, he's not having it. Prices in 2025 aren't what they were in his father's time, and expecting otherwise is just unrealistic.
"Business isn't like how it used to be. But I still update my page to let people know I'm at SS2 till 4pm. I was touched when fans who saw my post came to support me — I sold out.
"I've read some of the comments. For the constructive feedback and good suggestions, I've kept them and will try to improve. But for the ones simply talking nonsense, I'm sorry, I really don't have time for you," he wrote.
Image via Bunga Raya Popiah 春興薄饼 (Facebook)
He called out the unfair comparisons to his dad's popiah prices, cheekily reminding folks that his mum worked just as hard behind the scenes
"Please don't compare today's prices with what my dad charged. We just can't match those prices anymore. Every day, people want to talk about my father's prices from back in the day.
"How about we talk about my mother, who busted her ass making these popiah after getting married to him? But you all never mention her," he retorted.
The food truck owner also pointed out that like many small business operators, he's struggling with rising costs and a difficult economy
"Even Bank Negara Malaysia raised the [Overnight Policy Rate] already lah… It's 2025, if we can't keep up with the rising cost of living, how is that my problem?
"If I could avoid raising prices, I would. But everything is going up.
"What, you expect us to run a business, not make any profit, and give you free labour? I also don't want to explain so much anymore. A lot of people talk big but can't accept reality," he expressed.
Image via Bunga Raya Popiah 春興薄饼 (Facebook)
And to those who just don't vibe with his food or attitude?
"If it suits you, come. If it doesn't, sorry.
"Life is hard right now and it's not easy to survive out here. I've got a family to feed, and I've got workers to pay. If you don't like what I post, then just don't come here. So simple. I do my thing, you do yours, right?"
