KUALA LUMPUR: The government should hold an engagement session with restaurant associations to fully understand the reason behind any markup of food prices, particularly in delivery applications.

Restaurant and Bistro Owners Association vice-president Jeremy Lim said such issues should become part of the conversations between the authorities and restaurant operators, who can provide their explanations on why the prices are increasing.

This follows a report in which the cost of a plate of rice, estimated to be 38 cents, is being sold for RM3.50 in a food delivery app, a markup of about 300 per cent.

"You have some people who focus on the cost of living, and you have others who are looking after the welfare of fresh graduates, making sure they get paid their dues.

"Then you have guys like business owners, right? They are stuck in the middle.

"We don't know what the government wants from us. Should we be a charity or should we not? These are dangerous times, so they (the government) have to set a very clear direction," Lim told the New Straits Times.

He said to consider a RM3.50 plate of rice expensive can vary depending on the situation.

"If it's a person cooking from home and selling it on food apps, maybe it's a bit too much.

"But if it's a high-end restaurant with a clean and comfortable environment with the staff getting hepatitis and thyroid jabs, is RM3.50 too expensive? I don't think so."

He added that the restaurant industry is always open to discussing with the government about its struggles.

"Public and private collaboration is probably the best way. Talk to the industry and address the issues.

"Hey guys, we have this issue, the rising cost of living. What can we do?"

"And we can give some out-of-the-box ideas or maybe ideas that can be modified and adapted to fit what the nation needs," he said.

Meanwhile, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) chief executive officer T. Saravanan said the government must come up with guidelines for recommended prices for businesses to follow.

"Not all businesses are the same. Some are high-end cuisine sort of restaurant. While others are just roadside stalls.

"So, the cost of operating is different. The fancy restaurants might charge more because of their services.

"Maybe they are using high-end rice like basmati. There must be a justification if there's any price increase."

Saravanan said customers can play their role in lodging a complaint about any unjustified markup in food prices.

"These (food delivery) platforms are not monitored by the relevant ministries. And of course, the ministries can't be looking into the nitty gritty of all these businesses.

"This is where consumers play their role. If they find out any businesses, restaurants, or shops have been selling without any justification or imposing unreasonable prices, then they need to lodge a complaint to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry."

He said as consumers, they need to know if the price is too high, and know their right to making a choice.

"So, make sure you do your survey properly and compare with other restaurants if there are better offers from other places."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1029163/government-should-hold-engagements-restaurants-says-association