Have you encountered outlets that charge a ridiculous price for plain water?

It's actually quite a common thing in this country and thank goodness that the authorities are starting to do something about it.

According to a report by The Star, at least 15 eateries in Penang have been given show-cause notices to explain why they have been charging so much for plain water.

Penang Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) director Mohd Ridzuan Ab Ghapar said that the operation to crack down on overpriced plain water was called Ops Catut 8.0 (Air Kosong).

Quite a number of notices issued

During the first round of the operations in Penang, 35 eateries were inspected and 15 of them were found to have been overcharging for water.

Mohd Ridzuan said that price surveys showed most of the eateries selling plain water for RM0.50 but there were a number selling them for more than RM1 as well.

“Notices were issued to these business premises as they need to justify their prices, ” he said.

He added that all eateries, from fine dining restaurants to hawker stalls, would be inspected under the operation.

“KPDNHEP will not compromise if any businesses are trying to profit from unreasonable means like selling plain water at a high price.

While the report does not state the acceptable price for plain water, another previous report by The Sun quoted KPDNHEP Deputy Minister Datuk Rosol Wahid saying that a "more appropriate price would be between RM0.20 or RM0.30".

Currently, any premises charging more than RM1 for plain water could be issued a notice by KPDNHEP.

Stand up for your rights, lodge a complaint

If you have been to a restaurant that overcharges for water (we've been to one that tried selling us a glass of water for RM5), please report them immediately.

There are several ways you can do this.

You can forward your complaints to KPDNHEP by calling 04-3840 245,03-8882 6088/ 03-8882 6245 or by visiting their portal at https://eaduan.kpdnhep.gov.my.

You can also opt to email your complaints to [email protected], whatsapp your concerns to 019-279 4317, or download the Ez ADU KPDNHEP on Google playstore.