Food reviews and their influence on Malaysian restaurants: an analysis of legal and ethical considerations

The growth of social media has transformed marketing through influencer promotions, where Social Media Influencers (SMIs) on platforms like Instagram and TikTok promote products, especially in the food and beverage industry. In Malaysia, influencers such as Jason Chen and Janna Nick are trusted by younger audiences, making their reviews highly impactful for restaurants seeking to attract customers. However, this trend raises legal and ethical concerns regarding transparency in paid promotions, authenticity of reviews, and the extent to which honest criticism can be restricted. This paper explores the legal framework surrounding food reviews in Malaysia and the responsibilities of both influencers and restaurant owners.