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“Did We Just Get Scammed?” – British Tourists Get Charged RM120 For A Haircut In KL

“Did We Just Get Scammed?” – British Tourists Get Charged RM120 For A Haircut In KL

The authorities are investigating the KL barber who advertised haircuts ‘from RM19’ but charged two British tourists RM120 instead.

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It’s no secret that tourists tend to fall prey to scams perpetrated by business owners in the countries they visit.

Oftentimes, they end up paying more than the actual price for goods or services but only rarely do they protest much due to language barriers or the hassle it would involve.

Unfortunately for British Youtuber couple, Zoe and Czar, that is exactly what happened when they ended up having to pay RM120 for a haircut.

The TikTok video that has since gone viral with over 720,000 views shows Zoe and Czar visiting a barber shop in Bukit Bintang, KL, that advertised a haircut for RM19.

https://www.tiktok.com/@zoeandczar_/video/7220017607314033925?refer=embed

Their video caption read:

“What do you think? Do you also think 120 ringgit is far too much for a trim in a local barber shop in Kuala lumpur? First time this has happened to us in Malaysia.”

@zoeandczar_ via TikTok

In the video, the couple mentioned that the barber engaged in friendly conversation with Czar, asking where he was from.

Czar replied that he was from the Philippines but now resides in England with Zoe.

Upon completion of the haircut, the barber surprisingly charged them RM120, a huge jump from the advertised price.

Zoe and Czar had also asked two locals if the price was reasonable and they were told it should not be more than RM50.

When they confronted the barber, he became defensive, claiming that foreigners have to pay more taxes for local services and that Czar’s facial hair required more effort.

Zoe also noted that it was not fair for them to assume that just because they weree from abroad, it meant they were made of money and that it was okay to charge them that much.

The couple added that they’ve been to Malaysia before but this is the first time they experienced something like this.

Imagine if it was our first time here and we weren’t regular travellers. Maybe we wouldn’t want to come back. Luckily, we’ve seen good sides of the country and we do like it here. But you’ve got to think about the lasting impression that that leaves on tourists.

@zoeandczar_ via TikTok

Earlier today, the New Straits Times reported that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) is investigating the overcharging incident.

Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub told the news portal:

When I learned about a foreign tourist who had to pay RM120 for a haircut, I immediately ordered the officers to investigate. If it’s true, let’s ensure those involved will be strictly dealt with. Not only did they charge excessively, but the action tarnished Malaysia’s good name. As a tourist destination, we should offer the best services and reasonable prices.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub

What would you have done if faced with a situation like this?


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