Tiong added his ministry had received complaints from the public over the steep prices of items such as chocolates, food and alcohol at the airport shops compared to the prices outside.

“Visitors at the airport have mentioned that items sold at duty-free shops are expensive and that it is cheaper to buy from outside,” he told a press conference at the launch of ShopLAH at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 on Tuesday.

“This issue can impact the retail business here in the airport. Even food prices are high at the airport. This can be a burden for large families travelling in groups.”

“I have spoken to several shop operators and they have said that a review of rental rates and related costs could help them to lower food prices. This matter should be further discussed at the management level,” the minister said.

“Outlet operators don’t have to depend only on high prices to make money. Instead, they could lower prices a little and sell more items.”

He added: “Even with smaller profit per item, the higher sales volume could still give them good overall profit.”