'Boycott eateries': Merely a misconception - Salahuddin

BANGI - Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub describes the issue of ‘“boycotting” restaurants and eateries that fail to reduce the prices of food as a misunderstanding by the public.

Salahuddin said the statement must be looked at in a wider context to educate the people to better manage their expenses.

“I think it is just a miscommunication, it is clearly not to boycott, but to educate consumers is important.

“The ministry is always working together with the Economy Ministry so that the people will have the awareness to be smart in managing their purchases.

“I think what was meant by the minister (Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli) is not to boycott. This is not the policy of the unity government,” he said at a press conference after the Ops Menu walkabout around Kajang and Bangi, today.

It was previously reported that Rafizi had suggested for the people to “boycott” eateries and restaurants that failed to reduce their prices even though the cost of raw ingredients were showing a decline.

Rafizi was reported to have admitted that the government will not interfere in the increase of prices and hoped for the public’s cooperation to boycott such premises.

Commenting on the increase in prices of cooked meals, Salahuddin said the government will always have engagement sessions with stakeholders to monitor prices that have been set.

“It could still be done (controlled) through the engagement sessions with the eateries and restaurants associations. It (prices) can be discussed as long as both parties (sellers and consumers) understood the current (market) price and the price charged to customers.

“We can only provide public guidelines because the average basic menu prices could still be controlled and if some shops sell food for an unreasonable price, we will know.

“On average, the price of a complete meal including rice, chicken and vegetables (for sale) of RM7 to RM8 is still reasonable based on the cost of raw ingredients which was difficult to be decreased,” he said.