Subscribe to our Telegram channel for our latest stories and breaking news.
Last week, 84 food and beverage premises across Malaysia were issued notices for charging more than RM1 for a glass of plain water
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) deputy minister, Datuk Rosol Wahid, said the notices were issued through ‘Ops Catut 8.0’ following complaints from the public.
He said the investigations were conducted since last Wednesday, 7 April, at all types of eateries — upscale restaurants, fast food outlets, franchises, or food stalls — across the country.
“The operation will be carried out until 15 April by enforcement teams nationwide,” he added, as quoted by Malaysiakini.
According to the deputy minister, a more appropriate price for plain water would be less than RM0.30 per glass, but some shops charge more than RM1
“Based on the number of notices issued, we find that this is quite a common occurrence,” Rosol Wahid told reporters after officiating a Franchise Bay Tour Programme in Terengganu on Saturday, 10 April.
“This should not happen… maybe a more appropriate price would be between RM0.20 and RM0.30.”
According to Berita Harian, of the 84 notices issued, Kelantan recorded the highest number with 14 notices, followed by Selangor (12), and Sabah, Sarawak, and Johor with eight notices each.
This was followed by Pahang (seven), Terengganu (six), Kuala Lumpur (five), Melaka (four), Labuan (three), Penang (three), Perlis (two), Perak (two), and Negeri Sembilan (two).
Rosol Wahid said traders who have been served the notice will be given two to five working days to provide information as required by the ministry
KPDNHEP will only consider further action in accordance with the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 based on the response.
The ministry also encouraged consumers to not hesitate to lodge complaints of other unfair trade practices if they experience any to [email protected], WhatsApp +6019-2794317, or call 1800-886-800.