High price of food at Games venue

THERE were many complaints that the prices of food and drinks at the SEA Games were significantly higher not only inside the Bukit Jalil Stadium but also at the food trucks set up around the stadium and its vicinity.

Many events such as the opening and closing ceremonies, athletics, swimming, hockey and badminton took place in and around the stadium, hence there were huge crowds there.

It is true that food vendors had to pay rent to the stadium authority and the cost was naturally passed on to the consumer. But the vendors took advantage of the situation by upping their prices knowing that visitors would get hungry.

There were many food trucks but none offered meals, excluding drinks, that cost less than RM10.

The higher-than-usual prices hit the pockets of the thousands of Malaysians who came to support the national team.

The prices of food and drinks sold by food trucks inside the stadium were even higher. Those in the stadium were a captive market as it would be too troublesome for them to go out to purchase food. Despite the high prices, there were long lines waiting to be served.

Many felt the organisers could have set up stalls or dedicated food trucks selling Malaysia’s favourite foods such as mee goreng, nasi goreng and nasi lemak pre-packed and at reasonable prices.

Hopefully, organisers of future major sporting events take into consideration that prices of food and drinks should be reasonable. CONCERNED Kuala Lumpur