JOHOR BARU: The Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has dispatched an investigation team after a viral video emerged of a roadside restaurant in Tepian Tebrau charging customers RM1,200.
The director of the ministry, Lilis Saslinda Pornomo, stated that if the food sold by the restaurant did not display its prices, the owner could be given a penalty. She added that it would also be a violation if the displayed price differed from the price charged to customers. “If the price is excessively high, even if it’s consistent with the displayed price, we will issue a notice under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act (AKHAP) 2011,” she said when contacted.
Lilis further explained that Section 21 allows for investigations into how the restaurant owners calculated the prices and whether any profiteering attempts were made. Those found guilty of offenses under the Act could face fines of up to RM100,000, a maximum three-year jail term, or both for the first offense. For repeated offenses, the fines could increase to RM250,000, a maximum five-year jail term, or both.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Johor Baru City Council, Datuk Noorazam Osman, mentioned that the council could take action against the premises owners based on the suggestion given by the Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. “We can revoke their operating license if the Ministry instructs us to do so,” he said.
Prior to this, a Facebook user named Ekin Cahaya posted a video showing a receipt of RM1,260 for her meal at the restaurant. As of now, the video has garnered over 62,000 views.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
