Earlier this year, we shared about an eatery in Langkawi, Kedah, that went viral after a customer complained online about being charged a whopping RM20 for a small plate of ayam goreng kunyit (fried turmeric chicken).
Well, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living (KPDN) has since taken action against the restaurant owner, and now, some 10 months later, she has been charged at the Langkawi Sessions Court.
Owner of viral Langkawi eatery that charged RM20 for ayam goreng kunyit fined RM10,000
Taking to its official Facebook page, KPDN revealed that the restaurant owner, 22-year-old Asyuni Mastura Basri, pleaded guilty to failing to keep receipts and maintaining sales records as required by the Ministry. She was not represented by a lawyer during the trial.
The charge was made under Section 53A(3) of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (AKHAP 2011), and accordingly, the accused was slapped with a RM10,000 fine by the Sessions Court.
For the offence, she could’ve faced a punishment of up to RM50,000 fine or up to 2 years of imprisonment, or both, under the aforementioned provision.
KPDN elaborated that based on the facts of the case, the premise sold the RM20 ayam goreng kunyit dish to the public before it went viral online after a customer uploaded it to social media on 14 January.
Following investigations by KPDN, the accused was also found to have violated Section 21 of AKHAP 2011, which requires businesses to produce product sales and purchase invoices.
KPDN urges consumers to lodge a report regarding eateries and businesses committing any violations
Using the case as an example, KPDN warned sellers that taking excessive profits or charging unreasonable prices for goods and food may incur strict action under AKHAP 2011.
KPDN also urged consumers to report to the Ministry any violations via any of these channels:
- WhatsApp: 019-8488000
- e-Aduan portal: http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my
- Call Centre: 1-800-886-800
- ezAdu KPDN application: Google Play Store or Apple App Store
So, what do you guys think of the eatery owner being fined RM10,000 for the offence? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: Viral Langkawi Eatery Charges RM20 for Small Plate of Ayam Goreng Kunyit, KPDN Demands Explanation
