Genting restaurant investigated by authorities after charging S'porean tourists S$293 for steamed fish

The restaurant in Genting Highlands that sparked controversy for its RM902 (S$293.25) steamed silver catfish has come under investigation by Malaysian authorities.

The owners of Loong Kee Restaurant assisted with investigations by the Pahang branch of Malaysia's Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) on Mar. 26, Sinchew reported.

That same day, the officials concluded that the price of the fish as charged was indicated on the restaurant's menu.

It was written as RM33.80 (S$10.90) per 100 grams on the menu.

The officials issued a notice to the owners, requesting them to provide them with details on the cost and selling price of the dish within four business days.

This way, the officials can determine if any profiteering is at play.

How the dish was charged

A group of 13 Singaporean and Chinese tourists got a shock when they visited the restaurant on Mar. 16 and was charged RM902 (S$293.25) for the fish.

They later learned that the fish weighed 2.7kg and was priced at RM338 (S$109.88) per kg.

As they did not question the price and weight of the fish before it was served, they could not challenge the final bill.

The restaurant owner told Sinchew that the fish, a wild river patin, was a rather rare type of fish, and thus was more expensive.

"The final price was calculated by the weight, not arbitrarily set," the owner emphasised, adding that there were no hidden charges or unreasonable practices when charging diners.

According to the employee who served the group of tourists, she had explained to them the type of fish and its price per 100 grams.

She also suggested that they order half a fish, which weighed 2.7kg, based on the number of people at their table.

As it was a large fish, the kitchen divided it into two and served the fish in two separate plates, which likely explains why the diners were ultimately charged for it in two portions in the final bill.

However, the employee did not tell them the total price of their dish, as the restaurant was busy at the time.

Will improve communication

The restaurant owner admitted that the staff's communication about the price was not clear enough, resulting in the diners' disappointment when the bill came.

To prevent similar incidents, the restaurant will review and improve its service communication.

It will inform diners of the total price of seafood dishes based on the weight, and make the order only with the diners' confirmation.

According to a Mar. 26 statement from the restaurant quoted by Sinchew, the management team has reached out to the affected diners, hoping to clarify the issue and seek an appropriate solution.

Pricing regulations

The chairman of the Pahang KPDN branch told Sinchew that, according to the ministry's regulations, a selling price should not be more than 100 per cent of the item's cost.

This rule is to prevent a business from seeking to make excessive profits.

"After calculating costs such as staff salaries, utilities, and logistics, the selling price should not exceed 100 per cent of the cost," the chairman said.

For example, if the cost of an item is RM10 (S$3.20), a selling price of RM20.50 (S$6.60) would be violating the regulations, he added.

Photos provided by the KPDN showed the officials inspecting the restaurant's weighing scale and the price labels at the live fish tanks.

Top images via Guangming Daily and Nettie Chan/Google Maps