PETALING JAYA - A popular steakhouse has refuted claims that it served Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak thousands of ringgit worth of premium wagyu beef, Malaysian media reported on Sunday (Jan 24).

The move by Me'nate Steak Hub came after a blog post alleging that Datuk Seri Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor were served 2kg of Matsusaka wagyu beef costing RM19,284.80 (S$6,454) for dinner went viral.

The post, whose author was not named by the media reports, claims that the details of the meal were divulged by the chef behind the dinner, and is accompanied by a photo of a purported receipt from Me'nate Steak Hub.

Also shown is an order listing the meal as having been prepared for Mr Najib's official residence in Sri Perdana on Jan 21.

The post has been shared over 14,000 times on Facebook, Malaysiakini reported, with many netizens roasting Mr Najib for supposedly enjoying a lavish meal at a time when ordinary Malaysians were feeling the pinch from rising costs of living.

Refuting the allegations that it served premium beef to the premier, Me'nate Steak Hub said the receipt was fake as the beef was not in the restaurant's inventory system.

"The said price is not the same with the standard price used at all of our outlets. Besides, our price has its own coding, which is different from (the one shown in) the viral photo," the company said in a statement according to The Star.

The supposed dinner for the PM and his wife included 2kg of Matsusaka wagyu beef, marinade, vegetables, fries and fruits.

There was also a photo attached of the couple being served by a man in chef's attire.

Me'nate was quoted by The Star as saying that such an order was "absurd" as the premium beef should be eaten on its own, without any side dishes.

"We can also confirm that the chef does not work for us. We are very disappointed for having been dragged into this irresponsible political persecution," it said, adding that it would take legal action against those who had spread the "lies".