RM2,000/Kg Wagyu Beef Controversy Was a Misunderstanding, Says Parliament

According to The Sun, the Parliament has denied serving luxurious wagyu beef which cost RM2,000 per kilogramme during lunch, after the opening ceremony of the 14th Parliament on Tuesday (July 17).

The wagyu beef controversy, as reported in Malay Mail, started when a Facebook user, Nabeel Naqie, shared a photo of the lunch menu that listed “daging lembu wagyu masak kicap kentang” (soy sauce wagyu beef with potatoes) among its dishes.

Source: Malay Mail

The Facebook user questioned the sincerity of the government’s efforts in reducing the national debt that amounts to RM1 trillion as they allegedly and ironically served the exorbitantly-priced meat.

The photo has since gone viral on various social media sites, with netizens claiming that the beef cost RM2,000 per kilogramme.

However, Putrade Property Management Sdn Bhd manager Wan Abdullah Wan Mohamad had refuted the allegation, stating that the wagyu beef only cost RM280 per kilogramme, according to NST.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Reddit

In addition to that, Parliament Corporate Communi­cations Unit secretary Tengku Nasaruddin Tengku Mohamed, as quoted in The Star, clarified in a statement yesterday (July 18) that the dish was not ordered by the Parliament.

Instead, it was an additional dish provided by the caterer for free to celebrate the appointment of Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof.

“Parliament has never spent lavishly for that purpose. The expenditure has followed the fixed financial procedure. The qualification rate for such a ceremony is RM120 per guest.”

“However, Parliament only approved the rate of RM50 per person and the total cost for a main table with eight guests was RM400.”

Putrade Property Management Sdn Bhd manager Wan Abdullah Wan Mohamad | Source: NST

Tengku Nasaruddin further stated the dish was only served at the main table for eight guests.

He expressed his disappointment in the issue which had gone viral based on false information.

“In relation to that, Parliament hopes that this issue will not be prolonged in order to preserve the image and identity of the Parliament as the nation’s highest legislature,” he said.

It seems like this whole wagyu beef controversy is just a misunderstanding. What are your thoughts on this?

Also read: “Please Be Seated and Don’t Run Away,” Jokes Agong During Opening Speech in Parliament