These past few days, overpriced food has been trending all over social media, and not for good reasons. Consumers are questioning the excessive and unrealistic price hikes for things like fish, squid, kalian and even just to “ikat mati” a drink. 

Recently, there were customers who claimed have paid RM4 for a piece of regular roti canai at a roadside stall on Langkawi Island, reported Utusan Malaysia.

According to the Secretary of the Kedah Consumers Association (Cake), Mohamad Yusrizal Yusoff, he received the complaint from a tourist who was surprised by the price.

"Even though we are aware that the prices of goods and raw materials are expensive now, the price charged by the stall owners does not make sense," said Mohamad Yusrizal.

Mohamad Yusrizal explained that the issue of rising food prices in Langkawi, especially during the holiday season, has been going on for a long time.

After reopening of the tourism wave last September, the issue has come back to light.

“Since before, when the tourist season arrives, food sellers will sell items on their menu at high prices and after the reopening of the tourism wave last September, it started to raise questions again.

"Therefore, we ask the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Kedah to always make inspections at premises and food stalls that take the opportunity to raise food prices too high," he said.

Believe it or not, Yusrizal also revealed that his party has received more than 100 complaints from consumers regarding the increase in food and raw material prices in Kedah over the past two weeks.

Therefore, he advised traders not to increase the price arbitrarily and also put a price tag so that buyers can make a choice before placing an order.