Show-cause notice issued to food court operator over RM4.20 iced Milo

The Sarawak office of the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry has issued a show-cause notice to a food court operator at a large supermarket here who has been charging high prices for drinks.

The ministry's deputy director Abd Hafidz A Rahim said the notice, under Section 21 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, was issued during an inspection by a team of ministry officers at the food court today.

"The operator has been given seven days to give an explanation for the prices charged for food and beverages sold at the premises," he told reporters after serving the notice.

The issue went viral on Facebook today after people shared the receipts for two glasses of iced milo at RM8.40, a glass of iced green tea at RM2.80 and RM6.40 for two glasses of iced 'teh O limau'.

Abd Hafiz, who is also the ministry's Sarawak chief enforcement officer, said the investigation would also take into account business costs incurred and the profit margin acquired by the operator in respect of the prices charged.

"We need to see the profit margin first. If it is excessive or unreasonable, then we will take action," he said.