KPDNKK gives La Bodega 5 days to explain post-GST price increase

PETALING JAYA: The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) has given a five-day deadline to the La Bodega restaurant chain to officially explain a public complaint that it increased its price after the abolition of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

“An S21 notice has been issued to La Bodega to forward the necessary documents to KPDNKK’s office within five working days and to clearly explain the price differences as stated in the complaint,” it said in a statement on Facebook at Saturday (June 2).

According to KPDNKK, during its visit to La Bodega’s premises, the management said that the price on the receipt showed a 6% GST manual deduction, as the restaurant chain is still waiting for an overall system change from its headquarters.

“The operations manager of La Bodega said the price difference in the receipt was due to several issues in streamlining the pricing system by La Bodega’s headquarters.”

Further checks by the KPDNKK also found that the outlet is still using menus that advertise prices inclusive of the 6% GST.

“The outlet was advised to use a different menu which reflects 0% GST, and they are in the process of updating a new menu.”

KPDNKK said it has confiscated the menus and receipts for further checks and investigations.

The popular upscale restaurant chain in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, faced the wrath of social media after a receipt comparing a meal before and after the removal of GST went viral.

The receipt of a Big Breakfast meal at the La Bodega outlet in Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC) showed a RM6.60 price increase between May 26 and June 1.

The receipt stated that the total cost for the Big Breakfast meal was RM51.70 on May 26 and RM58.30 on June 1, although there was no GST charge on the latter date.