MALAYSIANS are generally a calm and reasonable people. We tolerate traffic jams that can be measured in geological eras.
We accept that every shopping mall now charges parking rates that require a small financial consultation. We have even made peace with paying RM20 for artisanal coffee served in cups smaller than our patience.
But this week, the nation may have finally found its breaking point. A video promoting a plate of chicken rice priced at RM26 has gone viral on social media, triggering a wave of reactions ranging from curiosity and disbelief.
The dish itself appeared relatively straightforward. There were no visible gold flakes, no imported truffles and no indication that the chicken had received private education before arriving on the plate.
It was, as far as viewers could tell, chicken rice. At RM26. Within hours, Malaysians began performing the sacred national ritual of comparing food prices.
Viewers also became fascinated by the seller’s repeated references to herself as “Mama” throughout the promotional video.
“Jangan mahalkan makanan warung”
Tepat & padat ayat ini.. bagi lagi bro 🤔 pic.twitter.com/LPMzAR9XYw
— kamaghul deghaman (@kamaghul) June 18, 2026
By the end of the video, her customers will no longer be customers but adopted family members.
The viral discussion has also reignited a long-running Malaysian debate: when exactly does ordinary food become “premium”?
For some consumers, premium food means exceptional ingredients, unique preparation methods or a dining experience that justifies the higher price.
Netizen @Disasterlevel added that she was actually doing branding for her chicken rice. So perhaps the premium pricing is justified?
Despite the jokes, the episode highlights a simple truth about Malaysian culture. Few things unite the nation quite like food.
Politics may divide us. Football may divide us. The correct way to eat durian may divide us.
But present Malaysians with an expensive plate of chicken rice and suddenly everyone becomes an analyst, an accountant and a food critic at the same time.
Take it from netizen @Soheerubyjanee who believed people who think the chicken rice is expensive is definitely not her target market.
“The seller isn’t wrong. Because it’s up to their own discretion to sell at whatever price. The one who needs to think straight is the buyer themselves,” said @cyclist550.
What is certain is that the viral video achieved something many marketing campaigns fail to accomplish.
It got a good deal of people talking. About chicken rice. And, of course, about Mama. —June 19, 2026
Main image: @kamaghul (X)
