It is unreasonable for Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng to compare Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia prices with that of Tesco home brand products because KR1M products are better quality, said KR1M operator Mydin Malaysia.

For example, Mydin Malaysia managing director Ameer Ali Mydin said, the Tesco home bleach Lim said was cheaper than KR1M home brand bleach contains less sodium hydrochloride.

The Tesco bleach sold for RM1.29 per litre has 4.25 percent sodium hydrochloride, while KRIM bleach retailing at RM2.60 per litre has 5.25 percent sodium hydrochloride, the main ingredient in laundry bleach.

“This clearly shows that not is only (Lim) trying to deceive the public but he also just shoots from the hip, that is, no research done,” he said in a statement.

Lim earlier called on Malaysians to boycott KR1M for selling products that can be found cheaper at other hypermarket chains.

This comes after cabinet minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob courted controversy when he urged Malay consumers to boycott Chinese traders for profiteering.

Lim's examples include Nestle products like Bliss yoghurt drink (RM5.20 per bottle at KR1M, RM4.79 at Tesco) and Milo 3-in-1 pack of 18 sachets (RM12.89 at KR1M, RM10.98 at Tesco).

A pack of fries at the hypermarket costs RM4.49 while KR1M’s is 70 sen more expensive at RM5.20.

While Ameer Ali did not touch on the Nestle products, he urged all to work together to pressure both retailers and manufactures to bring prices down for the sake of the rakyat.

“We are all suffering enough. We do not need more misinformation but need correction information to make the right informed decision.

“Think of the poor who has never complained but in fact feel grateful for the existence of KR1M as they can buy products at a cheaper price with no compromise on quality,” Ameer Ali said.

This is not the first time a Pakatan Rakyat MP has attacked KR1M.

In 2011, KR1M recalled seven products after Pakatan MPs commissioned tests which showed the products did not comply with Health Ministry specifications.