KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) has denied rumours claiming that there will be an increase in food prices at mamak restaurants beginning Friday.
Its president, Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan said that there would be no price increase for any food items sold at mamak restaurants despite the rise in the cost of goods.
He urged the public not to worry as so far about 12,000 Presma members had already declared that there would be no price increases and that costs would remain unchanged.
"The prices will remain unchanged, as I have personally informed Presma members, and there is no opposition to any price rises, whether short or long term.
"We don't know where the issue of food price increases at mamak restaurants came from, however, we will do our best to maintain prices even though the costs of goods and raw materials are increasing.
"We understand the challenges in terms of the rise in cost of living at this time, so we will still strive to offer reasonable prices," he said when contacted yesterday.
However, he noted that customers needed to be vigilant when they come across any shops that imposed high charges and report the matter to the relevant authorities.
Jawahar said more importantly, customers needed to prioritise three key elements in choosing a dining establishment - cleanliness, food quality, and reasonable prices.
"If a shop charges excessive or unreasonable prices, customers have options because some premises, not just mamak shops but stalls, do sell food and beverages at higher prices compared to restaurants.
"Customers themselves need to play their role and lodge complaints through the proper channels such as with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDN)," he said.
Starting March 1, the Sales and Service Tax (SST) rate will be raised to eight per cent from the previous rate of six per cent.
Mydin continues to maintain the prices of goods.
Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd (Mydin) managing director Datuk Dr Ameer Ali Mydin said the new SST rate would not have a big impact on the supermarket chain and the price of goods in Mydin will remain the same.
"The things that we sell will not see a price hike because of the increase in SST.
"Things are sold according to market prices. Rice and sugar can see price fluctuations because it depends on the market which is the same as what it is now," he told Harian Metro.
According to him, the increase in SST to eight per cent will add to Mydin's overhead cost (expenditure), but the amount is small when compared to the increase in the electricity tariff.
"Operational costs will definitely go up especially when it comes to maintenance fees, but it will not disrupt the prices of goods and items sold in Mydin," he said.
In the 2024 Budget, the government had proposed to raise the service tax rate to eight per cent compared to six per cent come March 1.
However the government also said that to avoid burdening the people, the increase would not include services such as food and beverage; and telecommunications.
The government has also expanded the scope of taxable services covering logistics, brokering, guarantee sponsors and karaoke.
