Malaysia

Ministry to summon restaurateurs over cost surge claims

KPDN seeks evidence from industry leaders after reports of operating costs rising by up to 30 per cent, signalling firm action against profiteering

Updated 6 months ago · Published on 29 Mar 2026 8:48AM

Ministry to summon restaurateurs over cost surge claims
The move is aimed at obtaining a detailed explanation backed by firm evidence and supporting data, Fuziah says - March 29, 2026

THE Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) will summon the Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Operators Association (PRESMA) to account for claims that operating costs in the restaurant sector have risen by between 10 and 30 per cent.

Deputy Minister Datuk Fuziah Salleh said the move is aimed at obtaining a detailed explanation backed by firm evidence and supporting data.

“Accordingly, the Director-General of KPDN’s Enforcement Division (BPGK) will summon PRESMA in the near future to obtain a detailed explanation, along with strong supporting evidence and data regarding the claims.

“KPDN is committed to working with industry players to find win-win solutions, including examining supply chain factors, input costs and global pressures affecting operators,” she said in a media statement today.

However, Fuziah stressed that any price adjustments passed on to consumers must be grounded in actual costs and cannot be made arbitrarily.

She warned that the ministry would not hesitate to take firm action under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 if there are elements of profiteering or unreasonable price increases.

Earlier reports indicated that PRESMA had acknowledged being affected by rising operating costs in the food and beverage industry, estimating increases of between 10 and 30 per cent due to global pressures. - March 29, 2026

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