Well, it looks like our friendly neighbourhood mamak restaurants have indeed been trying their best to make their food as reasonably priced as possible!
In a report by AsiaOne, Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin has stated that prices of this staple Malaysian cuisine between 2016 and 2017 have been compared recently.
The comparison shows that the prices of these food items have been made as reasonable as possible thanks to the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association’s (Presma) efforts.
The comparison was carried out in light of recent claims made by Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, who said that these restaurants overcharge their customers for roti canai and teh tarik.
Well, who can blame him for thinking that since GST was put in place just last year, right?
At a press conference yesterday (April 26th), Datuk Hamzah stated,
“I held this discussion to verify that Presma members want to give reasonable prices to the rakyat.”
It was also stated that any food vendor registered under the association that is found breaking the rules will immediately be kicked out.
The Ministry always monitor their prices and would be aware the moment a price hike occurs.
Maintaining reasonable prices has understandably been hard for many restaurant owners.
“The removal of subsidies for flour, sugar and cooking oil, and rising transportation fees have driven up prices. The declining Malaysian ringgit also makes imports more expensive.”
Ayoob Khan also mentioned that prices of mamak food can drastically differ depending on the location.
“Prices differ between urban neighbourhoods and rural areas. We can’t compare food charges in Rawang and Bukit Bintang.”
Ok, lah. We guess that’s fair!
What do you think? Is mamak food getting a little too overpriced now?
Also read: Mamak Store Allegedly Washes Food to Reuse and Recook in New Dish