RM902 Wild River Catfish At Genting Restaurant Not Profiteering, Investigation Finds

A Malaysian government investigation has concluded that a restaurant at Genting Highlands did not engage in profiteering after charging RM902 (approximately S$273) for a wild river catfish meal that sparked widespread debate online earlier this year.

The controversy began in March when a Singaporean diner complained about the price of a 2.7kg wild patin fish served during a group meal at a restaurant in Gohtong Jaya, located at the foothills of Genting Highlands. The incident quickly gained attention across Malaysia and Singapore, prompting authorities to step in and review the restaurant’s pricing practices.

After several months of investigation, officials have now announced that no excessive profit-taking was found and the case has been officially closed.

Authorities Review Restaurant Records

Speaking at a press conference on June 11, Pahang State Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Sim Chon Siang said the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living launched an investigation under its Ops Kesan 5.0 enforcement programme after receiving public complaints.

The investigation focused on Long Kee Restaurant, which had sold the wild river patin fish in question.

Authorities issued a formal notice to the restaurant on April 4, requiring the business to submit operational records, pricing information and supporting documents for review.

Enforcement officers subsequently analysed the restaurant’s financial records, operating costs and transaction history before reaching a conclusion.

According to Sim, the investigation found no evidence that the restaurant had violated Malaysia’s anti-profiteering regulations.

How Profiteering Is Determined

Officials clarified that consumers often assume a high selling price automatically means a business is profiteering. However, Malaysian law assesses profiteering based on profit margins and historical business performance rather than the final selling price alone.

Under Malaysia’s Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, authorities calculate an “allowable profit margin” by examining a company’s financial performance over previous years.

The investigation found that Long Kee Restaurant’s allowable profit margin was calculated at 56.74 per cent based on profit growth trends recorded between 2023 and 2025.

During the first three months of 2026, the restaurant recorded an average profit margin of 44.08 per cent, significantly below the allowable threshold.

As a result, officials concluded that the business had not earned excessive profits from the sale of the fish.

Singapore Customer’s Complaint Sparked Debate

The issue first surfaced in March when a 68-year-old Singaporean stockbroker, identified only as Mr Ho, told media outlets that he and 12 friends were shocked after receiving a bill that included RM902 for a single wild river patin fish.

The group had dined at the restaurant on March 16 while visiting Genting Highlands.

The complaint generated heated discussion online, with many social media users questioning whether the price was reasonable for a freshwater fish dish.

The restaurant later defended its pricing, explaining that wild-caught patin fish from the Pahang River are considered a premium product due to their limited supply and varying grades.

Management also stated that all prices, including river fish charges calculated per 100 grams, were clearly displayed on the menu.

Restaurant Improves Ordering Process

Although cleared of any wrongdoing, the restaurant has since introduced improvements to prevent similar disputes in the future.

According to the restaurant owner, staff will now provide clearer explanations regarding fish species, weight, price per 100 grams and total estimated cost before customers confirm their orders.

The move aims to ensure diners fully understand the pricing of premium seafood and freshwater fish before making a purchase.

Authorities meanwhile encouraged members of the public to continue reporting suspected cases of unreasonable pricing or profiteering so investigations can be carried out when necessary.

Under Malaysian law, companies found guilty of profiteering can face fines of up to RM100,000 for a first offence and RM250,000 for subsequent offences. Individuals may face fines, imprisonment or both upon conviction.

While the RM902 fish bill may have sparked public outrage, investigators have concluded that in this case, the restaurant’s pricing fell within legally acceptable profit margins.