Mustafa Othman, owner of Me’nate Steak Hub, said in a Facebook posting that the “rumour” was a provocation by those with a political interest.

Online reports had circulated last week claiming that Me’nate Steak Hub had served a 2kg slice of Matsusaka Wagyu beef costing RM19,284 to Najib at Seri Perdana, his official residence in Putrajaya.

Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor were pictured being served by a chief with various dishes on the table. A chef from Me’nate was said to be in charge of preparing the meal.

However Mustafa said the price tag shown was the standardised price tag used at his restaurant. “The price tag and note on display are not the same as the one used at all of the Me’nate Steak Hub outlets. Our price tags have their own bar codes,” he said.

“Besides, if the food served were steaks and Matsusaka, how can there be rice and dishes?,” Mustafa asked. The chef pictured was not on the Me’nate staff, he said.

He said he is considering legal action against those responsible for spreading the rumour.