(Source: Facebook | MelakaExplorer)
A Malaysian was left stunned after they were charged a whopping RM57 for a cup of gummies at a food festival, sparking a heated discussion online over steep prices at food hotspots. The original poster (OP) took to a public Facebook page called MelakaExplorer to share their experience, posting a photo of the small cup of gummies that cost more than what many would pay for a proper meal.
"The actual situation at the food festival – my younger sibling scooped a full cup just like in the photo, and the vendor smiled and said, 'RM57, sister'. My mother’s hands immediately trembled as she handed over the money", the post read.
(Source: Facebook | MelakaExplorer)
The photo showed a cup filled with assorted gummy candies that looked ordinary, nothing special or premium about them. The OP’s younger sibling who wanted some gummies had scooped a cup full of that sugary goodness. We’re assuming that particular snack booth allows customers to help themselves to their own portions. The vendor then with a big smile on their face revealed the outrageous price to the OP’s mother.
Netizens said that they should've returned the gummies, instead of paying
The caption revealed the OP’s mother’s disbelief, prompting others to share their own experiences of pricey food and drinks at similar food festivals. Some even commented that the OP’s mother shouldn’t have paid for it and should have instead returned the gummies to the vendor.
"At food festivals, markets, malls, or rest stops that sell items by weight, I’ve never bought anything. The prices are scary. It’s better to just buy the pre-packed ones."
"Hence why I have boycotted all food festivals... I went once and that was the last."
"And food festival vendors wonder why there are no visitors."
""This is the standard at food festivals... even a 500ml bottle of mineral water costs RM4."
"If it was me, I would return it to the seller saying 'it's ok brother, I can't afford to pay."
"Tel Aviv pricing."
"If it was me, I'd return it. It's ok if I need to be thick skinned, as long as I don't have to loosen my purse strings."
One netizen even paid RM85 at a food fest
"Actually things are more expensive at food festivals."
"We had to pay RM85. That was our first and last."
Some netizens are on the vendors' side
"This is true. I’ve already started boycotting buying anything from food festivals... I only go just to enjoy the atmosphere... just to look around for fun because the prices are ridiculous... but I know the vendors have no choice because the booth rental is too expensive... so if we want prices to drop, we need to boycott in large numbers so that the organisers don’t set such high booth rental fees... then vendors can price their food more reasonably.
Psssst! #KPDNKK don't you want to make your checks at places like this?"
"This is not the fault of food festival organisers. The ones at fault are the consumers. Consumers have choices. Make wise choices. I like going to food festivals to look for rare food. If there’s nothing special, then don’t buy anything."
This viral post has since ignited a wider conversation about how patrons to such kinds of food bazaars are often charged inflated prices. Netizens debated whether this was simply the cost of convenience or if it highlighted the lack of regulation in pricing within such areas. Some sympathised with the man and argued that RM57 for a cup of gummies was outrageous. Others pointed out that such incidents serve as a reminder for visitors to check prices before purchasing to avoid surprises at the cashier.
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