ALOR GAJAH: A kopitiam in Batu Berendam is facing legal action after allegedly raising drink prices three times by as much as 70 percent within less than a year.
The Melaka Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) director, Norena Jaafar, said a notice was issued to the kopitiam operator on Oct 22 under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
She said that the operator has been given 15 days, until Nov 5, to respond in writing to the notice.
"An investigation was initiated following a complaint by a regular customer, and based on our findings, there were indeed three price hikes this year alone, with each increase reaching up to 70 percent," she said.
"Among the reasons cited for the price hike by the kopitiam operator are the implementation of minimum wage and the rising cost of raw materials," she told reporters after a walkabout programme in conjunction with the Deepavali Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme 2024 at a local supermarket yesterday.
The programme was launched by State Entrepreneur Development, Cooperatives, and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Allex Seah Shoo Chin.
Norena added that the reasons provided by the kopitiam operator were deemed unreasonable, and that KPDN takes intentional profiteering practices seriously. She also encouraged regular customers at food or drink premises to lodge a complaint if they notice unjustified price hikes.
On a separate matter, she mentioned that 764 Rahmah Sales events had been held across the state, with total sales amounting to RM23 million from Jan 1 to Sept 30 this year.
She explained that these sales, aimed at easing cost-of-living issues, especially for the B40 group, are being held at various retail platforms, including supermarkets and convenience stores throughout the state, allowing people to access essential goods at lower prices.
"With an allocation of RM300 million for the Payung Rahmah programme under Budget 2025, up from RM200 million last year, KPDN Melaka aims to increase Rahmah Sales events by approximately 200 percent compared to this year's total.
"More agencies and entrepreneurs will be involved next year to broaden the programme's reach," she added.-BERNAMA