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By Mihar Dias November 2024
In Malaysia, we have reached a curious—and concerning—point when ordering a simple cup of Milo can cost more than a plate of fried noodles.
Recently, a mother of two in Klang shared her bewilderment on social media after discovering her “Milo kosong” was priced at RM8.40, more than the RM5.90 per packet she paid for fried noodles.
Imagine that: our beloved Milo, a drink that has been a staple comfort for generations, now coming with a price tag worthy of a high-end coffee. I am talking about a cup of an Americano that sells for RM8 ++ at some artisan cafes in Bukit Damansara or Bangsar.
The response to her experience was telling. Some commenters dismissed her complaint, saying that expecting affordable Milo was naïve.
Others suggested she could lodge a complaint under anti-profiteering laws, arguing that such inflated prices are simply unjustifiable.
But this case, I think, speaks to a larger problem about the trajectory of our daily expenses and its impact on working Malaysians.
Mamak restaurants—historically known as affordable, accessible places to eat—are now contemplating price hikes across the board, citing the recent minimum wage increase to RM1,700 as justification.
While supporting a fair wage for workers is essential, what’s troubling is the notion that a wage increase should automatically mean an increase in costs for everyone else. Should the cost of a cup of Milo, a basic hot beverage, really need to be marked up to support this?
At some point, it becomes hard not to feel that these hikes are as much about profiteering as they are about wage costs.
Rising prices for essentials, whether it’s drinks at a Mamak or groceries at the market, have ripple effects on daily life.
What does it mean for the typical working Malaysian if prices keep climbing unchecked?
For one, we’ll see more people cutting corners wherever they can, perhaps opting out of favourite treats or limiting social gatherings that once brought a small but meaningful relief from the grind.
Those who depend on eating out to save time may be forced into cooking more often—not by choice but by necessity. And we’re already witnessing an uptick in “kopitiams” and smaller outlets struggling to keep customers due to rising costs, potentially reshaping the landscape of our beloved dining spots.
This small moment of sticker shock over an overpriced Milo is more than a one-off complaint; it’s a microcosm of a larger issue. It should prompt us to ask: are we, as a society, prepared to let the cost of living escalate at this rate? Or will we finally demand better, that prices remain within reach and fair, and that wage increases serve workers rather than becoming a pretext for higher costs everywhere else?
The authorities could certainly do more. Anti-profiteering laws are in place to prevent exactly this kind of exploitative pricing, and enforcement is crucial if they are to have any teeth.
A stronger regulatory stance, perhaps a re-evaluation of pricing practices in popular eateries, would help make life just a little easier for the ordinary Malaysian.
Mihar Dias is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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