Typically, you’re expected to pay for service tax when dining out. But in this case, you might just want to get ready with your wallet because a hotpot restaurant in KL is allegedly charging its customers a “seating fee.”
One of the customers recently spoke about the incident in the Facebook group Malaysian Law Forum, and shared the receipt of the meal as evidence that they were indeed “charged” RM20 for a ‘seating fee.’ The matter was only noticed when they settled the bill, in which they found the additional fee.
“If we didn’t pay, were we supposed to dine on the road?”
The customer visited the place with 3 other friends, and each was charged with RM5 seating fee. The location of the restaurant is not disclosed but the person dropped a little hint about the condition of the place during their visit.
“There weren’t a lot of people when we were there. This place is located below a condominium.”
She also stated that none of them were informed in advance about the seating fee.
“Aren’t we supposed to be seated? If we didn’t pay, were we supposed to dine on the road?”
China vs Malaysia
She added that in China, it’s common for workers at hotpot restaurants to charge customers for seating fees, and additional prices for the sauces and the utensils.
“If consumers in China report about it, the authorities will take action. But why is this hidden charge appearing here in Malaysia?”
She continued to express her disappointment about the seating fee and said,
“We didn’t even have a choice. Doesn’t this go against our rights to make a choice, and our rights to know?”
As customers, what would you do if you happened to find the seating fee on the spot before making payment?
Also read: “RM200 for 6 people” – M’sian Pays Shocking Price for Mixed Rice at Viral Cheras Restaurant
