Ministry Clears Kampung Baru Restaurant Over RM1 Air-Conditioned Dining Charge

The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) has confirmed that a well-known nasi lemak restaurant in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, is not in breach of any regulations by imposing a RM1 surcharge per adult for dining in its air-conditioned section.

Photo via X (@MALAYSIAVIRALLL)

This clarification follows a viral post on X that criticised the eatery for what many deemed an unfair practice. On 11 November, the ministry released a statement declaring that the restaurant’s pricing practices align with the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act.

According to KPDN, inspectors visited the premises to verify compliance. They noted that the RM1 surcharge is prominently displayed at the restaurant's entrance and on a mirror inside the air-conditioned room. Additionally, staff inform customers about the extra fee before they enter the air-conditioned dining area.

The ministry also reported that the charge has been in place for three years, applying only to adults. Children under the age of 10 are exempt.

"The air-conditioning in the designated dining area was found to be functioning properly, and customers using the room were aware of the surcharge," the statement read. "No complaints were received during the inspection."

The ministry’s investigation was prompted by a social media post that went viral last week, gathering over 860,000 views. The post criticised the restaurant’s policy, with the user calling out the practice of charging for air-conditioned dining, stating, “Stop bringing the culture of charging for every single thing, even for the use of the aircon.”

Stop la bawak budaya semua benda nak caj ni, sampai ekon pun nak caj. biar satu negara sebelah je yang amalkan benda benda macam ni. pic.twitter.com/sZspIPfdyB

— MALAYSIA MOST VIRAL (@MALAYSIAVIRALLL) November 7, 2024

While some commenters supported the sentiment, arguing that even mamak restaurants don’t impose such fees, KPDN’s findings have clarified that the nasi lemak restaurant operates within the bounds of the law.

For now, the RM1 charge remains a matter of transparency and customer choice, with KPDN emphasising that the restaurant has met all regulatory requirements.