The wagyu beef served during the luncheon for MPs was on the house - from the caterer and not Parliament House.

Moreover, the pricey dish was served only to eight guests on the VVIP table.

This was according to Tengku Nasaruddin Tengku Mohamed, who is Parliament's corporate communication division secretary.

"The wagyu beef dish [...] was an additional dish prepared by the caterer to celebrate the appointment of the Dewan Rakyat speaker.

"It was not ordered by the Malaysian Parliament," said Tengku Nasaruddin in a statement today.

It is understood that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof were sitting at that particular table.

Netizens had shared a photograph of a menu describing the dish, followed by caustic remarks accusing the MPs of feasting on expensive meat despite claiming that the national debt stood at RM1 trillion.

Wagyu beef (photo), which literally means “Japanese beef”, is a delicacy known for its high fat-to-meat ratio, unique flavour and tender texture.   

Malaysia began importing halal wagyu beef from Japan last year with then agriculture and agro-based minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek saying the meat could cost RM2,000 per kg and above depending on the grade.   

Others pointed out that the meat ought not to be cooked "masak kicap" (soy-braised) style.

Meanwhile, Tengku Nasaruddin said Parliament's administrators were allowed to budget up to RM120 for each MP per meal but for that particular luncheon, it was reduced to RM50.

"The Malaysian Parliament regrets that inaccurate information about the luncheon has been spread online.

"In view of this, the Malaysian Parliament hopes that this issue is not dragged on (in order) to protect the image of the legislature," he said.