Shima Anuar’s 28-inch implants cost RM150 each—expensive, she says, not because of her celebrity status

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 OCTOBER 2026 —

Malaysian Cake Artist Shima Anuar Defends RM150 Price Tag for Six-Inch Cake, Rejects Claims of Exploiting Celebrity Status

The dispute underscores growing public scrutiny over pricing strategies among Malaysian small businesses, particularly those run by influencers or celebrities. While Shima maintains her pricing is justified by quality, the incident has reignited discussions about transparency in pricing and consumer expectations in Malaysia’s booming food and lifestyle market.

Shima, whose full name is Noor Hashimah Anuar, told reporters that the RM150 price for her six-inch cake accounts for the high-quality, imported ingredients she uses—far beyond standard cake fillings. "The price isn’t because I’m an actress," she said. "It’s because the materials I use aren’t ordinary. If I’m using expensive ingredients, how can I sell it cheaply? That doesn’t make sense."

The backlash began when a Threads user posted a screenshot of Shima’s cake menu, questioning why a six-inch cake—described as having "basic" decorations and no customization options—would cost the same as premium, personalized cakes from other bakers. The user wrote: "Shima Anuar sells a six-inch cake for RM150. The decoration is basic, can’t even be customized. Why are people surprised when ordinary cake makers charge RM150 for customized cakes? Is it because she’s an actress?

Sorry, but I’m just curious."

Shima responded by emphasizing that her cakes are not mass-produced. "Ask my repeat customers why they keep ordering from me," she said. "Not every cake maker uses the same ingredients. I’m only talking about my own cakes—I don’t know what others do."

The incident has drawn comparisons to similar debates in Malaysia’s food industry, where influencers and celebrities often face skepticism over pricing. Earlier this year, another Malaysian food entrepreneur faced criticism for charging premium prices for what critics deemed "basic" dishes, though those cases involved ready-to-eat meals rather than baked goods.

Shima’s business operates primarily through private orders, with most customers being repeat buyers, she claimed. She did not disclose her total sales volume or revenue but stated that her pricing aligns with the cost of sourcing specialty ingredients, some of which are imported.

The Threads post has since gone viral, with comments divided between supporters who defend Shima’s craftsmanship and skeptics who argue that the price remains unjustified without additional customization or unique features. One commenter, Ahmad Tamimi Siregar, noted that he was aware of the lack of cash prizes before participating in a competition involving Shima’s cakes, adding: "What else is there to chase? What’s the point?"

The controversy also touched on cultural sensitivities when another social media user, Zila Bakarin, expressed frustration over a separate incident involving the comedian Abiejam. Zila criticized Abiejam for what she perceived as an inappropriate remark about hijab-wearing women, writing: "What does it have to do with anything?

This is getting out of hand." The two issues, though unrelated, were grouped under the same viral thread, highlighting how quickly online debates in Malaysia can shift between commercial and social topics.

Shima has not indicated plans to adjust her pricing, stating that she stands by the quality of her products. The incident serves as a case study in how social media can amplify pricing disputes, particularly when celebrity status intersects with small business operations in Malaysia’s competitive food market.

As the conversation continues, industry observers note that such debates are likely to persist as Malaysia’s influencer economy grows, with consumers increasingly scrutinizing whether premium pricing reflects genuine value or merely brand leverage. For now, Shima’s cakes remain a point of contention—one that blends culinary craftsmanship with the complexities of modern consumer expectations.