Malaysia – June 2, 2025 – A shocking incident unfolded at an economy rice stall in Malaysia when a man reportedly slapped a food stall employee after expressing dissatisfaction with the price of his meal, which totaled RM13 (approximately S$4). The altercation, captured on CCTV, has since gone viral, drawing widespread attention and criticism online.
The altercation
The confrontation began on May 28 when the man, visibly agitated, confronted the staff member about the cost of his meal, which included diced chicken, chicken chunks, a meat patty, and two servings of rice. Despite the reasonable pricing, the man felt the total was excessive and began shouting at the employee, pointing aggressively during the argument.
In an effort to de-escalate the situation, the staff member offered a full refund, which the man accepted before leaving the stall. However, approximately 15 minutes later, he returned and allegedly slapped the employee, prompting bystanders to intervene. The shop owner urged the staff to contact the police as tensions escalated.
Assault
“This person ate a RM13 meal at the hotel, said it was expensive, and cursed the staff. The staff had no choice but to return the full amount to him. After he left for about 15 minutes, he returned to the again (and slapped the staff). They have filed a case with the police.”
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many netizens condemning the man’s actions. Comments flooded in, with users suggesting that if he found the price unreasonable, he could have opted to cook at home instead. One user remarked, “Don’t eat if you can’t afford it. Cook it yourself at home.”
However, not all comments were in favor of the staff. Some users pointed out that the stall had a reputation for inconsistent pricing, suggesting that the pricing could be confusing for customers.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by food stall workers in Malaysia, where disputes over pricing can sometimes escalate into violence. As the community reacts to this event, it serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful communication and understanding in service interactions.
Authorities are expected to investigate the matter further, and the public is encouraged to report any similar incidents to ensure the safety and well-being of service workers.