What began as a kindhearted effort to cut food waste at mixed rice stalls has spiralled into a dinner-time tug-of-war across parts of the Klang Valley.
Many mixed rice outlets slash prices by 50% after 8.30pm to clear leftover dishes instead of throwing them away. The scheme was meant to benefit everyone — stall owners save on waste, and late diners get a cheaper meal.
But according to Sin Chew Daily, some customers have learned to game the system. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes before the discount kicks in, they load their plates with premium items such as fried chicken, prawns and curry fish, then sit and wait until 8.30pm to pay half price. By the time genuine late diners show up, only plain vegetables and tofu remain.
Fed up, several shop owners have now posted blunt bilingual notices at their counters: “Please do not take any food before 8.30pm to request 50% discount! Thank you for your cooperation.” Anyone who piles food before 8.30pm will now be charged full price regardless of when they pay.
Tan Cheep Lian, who has run a mixed rice stall for 30 years, told WeirdKaya he understands why people wait for the offer. “Everyone wants cheap food,” he said, adding that the discount crowd usually isn’t made up of regulars. “However, some customers tend to be greedy and cross the line of basic courtesy. That’s when we, as stall owners, need to step in and manage the situation.”
He noted that some bargain hunters even complain about limited food choices during the discount period and demand more. For stall owners, the message is now clear: come after 8.30pm if you want the deal — but don’t expect to raid the trays early.
