The US$460 cake testing Malaysia’s sweet tooth and wallet: ‘even sultan would think twice’

South China Morning Post Economic ImpactNews ReportEN 1 min read 100% complete by Joseph SipalanMarch 18, 2026 at 05:34 AM

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A bakery in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, is selling premium kek lapis (layered cake) at prices up to six times higher than the standard rate, reaching 1,800 ringgit (US$460) for a 5kg tray. This comes as Muslims across Malaysia prepare for Eid ul-Fitr, a celebration where cakes and sweets are traditionally served. The bakery, Abg K’ju Cake House, justifies the high price of its "Kek Lapis Sultan" by citing the use of premium ingredients such as Wijsman butter, imported dried fruits, and selected nuts. The owner also emphasizes the expertise involved in creating the cake, calling it a "work of art." The cake's high price has drawn attention amid concerns about diabetes and obesity in the country.

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Framing Angle

Economic Impact

Primary framing

Human Interest

Secondary framing

Measured

Sensationalism

Factual

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OpinionFactual

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Key Claims (5)

AI-Extracted

The combination of these ingredients provides a richer taste and gives the Kek Lapis Sultan its unique identity.

quote — Adhar Brahim100% confidence

The cake is made with premium ingredients like Wijsman butter and imported dried fruits.

factual100% confidence

Kek Lapis Sultan costs 1,800 ringgit for a 5kg tray.

factual100% confidence

A bakery in Malaysia is selling premium cakes at high prices.

factual100% confidence

Cakes, chocolates and sweet biscuits are must-haves in the homes of the nation’s 20 million Muslims to celebrate Eid.

factual90% confidence

Claims are automatically extracted and should be independently verified. Attribution indicates the stated source of the claim.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

New Straits Times 40% Kuching 60% Adhar Brahim 60% Abg K’ju Cake House 70% Sarawak ×280% Malaysia ×290%

Keywords

premium cake 90% kek lapis 80% sweet tooth 70% malaysia 70% sarawak 60% eid ul-fitr 60% expensive ingredients 50% baking 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral

Score: -0.10

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Article Type

News Report

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Malaysia

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis.

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premium cake kek lapis sweet tooth malaysia sarawak eid ul-fitr expensive ingredients baking

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