A customer was left dumbfounded at a store in Taiping, Perak, when the store owner refused to accept a coin that they considered “too black”.
According to a report by Oriental Daily, the customer had purchased 2 cans of bean paste for RM5.60 each, totalling RM11.20. While paying, the customer provided the exact amount, RM11 in notes and a 20-cent coin.
To the customer’s shock, the store owner said, “I don’t accept black coins”. When the customer asked why, the store owner responded, “If it were you, would you accept it?”
The customer felt lost by the store owner’s response, especially considering he had received the coin as change from another shop.
“If someone gives me change, I will accept it,” the customer said.
Blackened with time
The customer shared this interaction with a DAP representative while questioning whether businesses can reject blackened or old coins, to which the representative explained that coins can turn black with time.
For example, the 20-cent coin the customer attempted to use was issued 44 years ago in 1981. However, as long as it is still considered legal currency, businesses have no reason to refuse it.
The DAP representative added that coins that have been in circulation for a long time can become dull and blackened, and that discolouration is not done intentionally by consumers. If merchants refuse to accept the blackened coins, it can be considered unreasonable unless the government announces that such coins can no longer be circulated.
What would you have done if you were in the customer’s shoes? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: M’sian Cafe Shares How Customer Gave Them 1-Star Review Over Cashless Policy, M’sians Left Divided
