A recent social media post has sparked heated debate after a man complained about being charged RM156.50 for three plates of mixed rice at a Johor Bahru eatery.
The customer shared photos of the meal and the receipt on the Facebook group JB柔佛吹水站, expressing his frustration.
Photo via Facebook (Rhino KL)
In his post, the customer sarcastically remarked, "[What happened to being] reasonable and fair? In two or three years, [the shop owner] can buy the whole row of shops already lah. The whole row, not just one shop."
The photos reveal the three plates of mixed rice: one with petai curry, vegetables, and fried chicken; another with prawn and squid curry along with fried chicken; and the last featuring meat curry and sambal cuttlefish.
The post quickly went viral, accumulating over 1,000 comments and 400 shares as netizens weighed in on whether the price was justified. Opinions were divided. Some argued that the price was reasonable given the large portions of food, while others felt the charges were excessive.
Many commenters also criticised the customer for not questioning the bill when paying. "You knew this place was pricey, yet you chose expensive items and didn’t raise any concerns during payment. Why complain now?" one user pointed out.
Photo via Facebook (Rhino KL)
Another suggested, "The petai alone could cost RM10, and seafood is costly. Fried chicken often costs around RM5 per piece. Next time, estimate how much you're willing to spend before ordering. If you think the price is too high, ask the cashier for a breakdown."
Several netizens tried to estimate the cost of the meal themselves. One questioned the fairness of the pricing, saying, "As someone who often cooks, I know this restaurant is overcharging. Just look at the photos — how can dishes cost this much?"
The debate highlights the ongoing concern about transparency in food pricing and the importance of addressing issues directly with vendors to avoid misunderstandings.
What do you think of this situation? Is it a case of overcharging or simply a reflection of the high cost of ingredients?
