GEORGE TOWN, Nov 24 — Restoran Hameediyah, the oldest nasi kandar restaurant in Penang, which went viral on social media for selling two fried squid for RM100, has defended the price, based on the cost of raw materials.

Hameediyah Restaurant at Lebuh Campbell’s director, Muhammad Riyaaz Syed Ibrahim, said that he was compelled to give an explanation on the price of the two fried squids after the restaurant received criticism from netizens.

He said that the restaurant bought fresh squid at RM35 to over RM40 per kilogramme, coupled with the fluctuating market price.

“The price of fried squid went viral after a couple bought two sets of rice with fried squid at our restaurant yesterday and then shared the receipt on a social site which attracted a lot of attention. The squid we used was of a large variety and not cheap.

“Actually, the prices of all the food sold at our restaurant are clearly listed, including squid dishes that are sold between RM10 and RM150 each, based on the size,” he said when contacted today.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Penang branch director, Mohd Ridzuan Ab Ghapar, said that his team had inspected the restaurant today and issued a Goods Information Verification Notice (NPMB), under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act (AKHAP) 2011, to obtain information and cost and sales prices for the fried squid.

He said that if they failed to submit the requested feedback, they could be prosecuted under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, and KPDNHEP always viewed the issue of price increases seriously if there was an element of profiteering that could be done by traders.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency