Ministry kicks off investigation into roadside restaurant that charged customer RM1,200

JOHOR BARU: The Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has sent an investigation team following a viral video of a roadside restaurant in Tepian Tebrau charging RM1,200 to their customers.

Its director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said that the restaurant owner could be given a compound if the food sold did not display the prices.

“It is also a violation if the price displayed differs from the price being charged to the customers.

“If the price is too expensive even with the price displayed, then we will issue a notice under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act (AKHAP) 2011,” she said when contacted.

Lilis added that Section 21 provides for investigations to be conducted on how the price calculation was made by the restaurant owners and whether there are any profiteering attempts.

Individuals found guilty of offences under the Act could be charged in court with fines up to RM100,000, a maximum three-year jail term, or both for the first offence.

For repeated offences, the fines could go up to RM250,000, a maximum five-year jail term, or both.

Meanwhile, Johor Baru City Council mayor Datuk Noorazam Osman said 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 licence to operate if the Ministry orders it,” he said.

Earlier, a video was posted on Facebook by a user named Ekin Cahaya showing a receipt of RM1,260 for the food that she had paid for after eating at the restaurant.

At the time of writing, the video had gained more than 62,000 views.