Melaka Coffee Shop Prices Surge, Patrons Expose Sneaky 60% Hikes

MELAKA — Coffee shops, particularly in Melaka's tourist areas, have been found raising prices by up to 60% last year, with incremental hikes of around 10% each time, according to the state’s Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. Norena Jaafar, the state director, said these price increases, often hidden through multiple small hikes, have been noticed by regular customers and enforcement officers.

To address the issue, more inspections will be carried out, especially in Melaka Tengah, which has over 100 coffee shops. Norena also revealed that 50 consumer-related offenses, totaling RM34,000 in fines, were recorded in the first 23 days of 2025, with the majority involving unjustified price hikes and failure to display price tags.

In addition to the fines, RM12,000 in compounds were issued, and goods worth RM5,679 were confiscated. Enforcement officers conducted 2,955 inspections and responded to 64 consumer complaints during this period.