The topic of dining in local eateries, especially those in the state of Penang, has become a hot topic among social media users over the past number of days. This comes after Seng Thor kopitiam bore the brunt of heavy criticism for naming and shaming an elderly customer who visited their premises to have a meal, but yet refused to order a drink or pay their minimum surcharge of RM1 for occupying a seat.
Consumer Association of Penang says ‘no’ to kopitiam surcharge
Of course, it isn’t to say that they are the only kopitiam operators in the state to impose such a policy. From as far back as August of last year, eateries in Penang have been enforcing similar surcharges on customers who refuse to order a drink with their meals, as evidenced by a report from local newspaper The Star.
But is the practice fair to the consumer, when one has already paid for their food at the eatery, which in turn contributes to hawkers who also pay rent to the kopitiam owners?
Well according to chairman of the Consumer Association of Penang, Mohideen Abdul Kader, consumers should not have to pay for something that they did not order to begin with. According to Sin Chew Daily, the matter was raised during a recent press conference that was held by the association, with Mohideen adding that customers have the right to decide whether they would like to order a drink or not.
“I have already ordered and paid for my food. Why should I pay more?”
In the event that consumers are being met with such policies, he has urged for them to contact the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, or reach out to the Consumer Association of Penang on the matter. On the flipside, Mohideen said that there is no issue for operators to charge customers a small fee when they refuse to order neither a drink or a meal when occupying a seat.
As for the operator of Seng Thor kopitiam, Mr Lim, he says that they will continue to retain their minimum RM1 surcharge in spite of the outrage.
Tap here to give us a ‘Like’ on Facebook and stay up-to-date on the latest news!
