KUALA LUMPUR – Exorbitant and unreasonable food prices have long been a pressing issue in the country, demanding resolute action against those responsible.
Recently, a photo of a plain roti canai, claimed to be sold at an absurd price of RM9 per piece – which is usually priced at most RM2 – made the rounds on social media.
In the post, it was said that the restaurant was located at a famous Genting Highlands tourist spot.
Based on the receipt dated December 26, 2023, the total purchase of the customer for a plate of nasi lemak (RM10), a piece of plain roti canai (RM9), roti canai with egg (RM11) and two add-ons, including 6% service tax, was RM45.
“I want to know why food sold at Genting Highlands must automatically be expensive; is the flour used imported?
“If this were the case, can the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry take action?” questioned an individual on X (formerly Twitter).
The post was uploaded yesterday and has since garnered over 433,000 views, with approximately 1,300 reposts and comments.
Although the majority of netizens agreed that food prices charged in tourist and holiday spots are usually slightly expensive, they said that charging RM9 for a piece of plain roti canai was illogical.
Other social media users poured out their dissatisfaction over the high price tag on food items.
“This is the reason why people don’t want to travel in Malaysia. Everything is expensive,” said an X user.
“Plain water at Pantai Cenang is RM5 per cup,” claimed another individual.
“In Genting Highlands, you have to carefully choose shops,” commented @moon.
“I don’t understand why tourist spots put up high prices for food sold compared to regular restaurants. I believe they use similar based,” said X user @anom.
“RM18 for two pieces (of roti canai) is crazy,” said another netizen.
“Ooo, that’s because they brought the flour to Genting Highlands by foot; that’s why it’s expensive,” another user said jokingly.
However, several netizens also thought that the choice was with the customer as to whether or not to spend on food, as the food outlets had already displayed the price of the meal.
“It’s obviously going to be expensive if you eat at theme parks, entertainment places, and airports. It’s not only in Malaysia, but all over the world,” said @wen5371.
“Genting Highlands is a private place, and if you are eating at the hotel’s lobby, you cannot expect the price to be similar to Mamak’s price,” said another netizen. – December 27, 2023