With all the drama that often unfolds in the humble kopitiam—ranging from the ‘no water bottle’ policy to charging an extra 20 sen for an empty glass, or even the cessation of offering Malaysian’s go-to cheapest option of Chinese tea—some hawker stalls have also been steadfast in their beverage policies for years.
In this landscape where the faint hum of day-to-day negotiations is as common as the sizzle of woks, one netizen shared a photo of a sign that cuts through the noise with its bold directive.
The sign, believed to be captured in Penang, reads in a no-frills manner: “Each table will be charged RM 2.00 if no single drink ordered.”
The netizen who shared the photo gave a point of view that speaks volumes about the business approach at this Penang hawker stall: “The price is clear and upfront, there’s no need for argument. You’re welcome to come if you want to, but no one is going to force you.”
It suggests that the pricing is laid out for everyone to see, eliminating any potential for dispute over costs.
According to the netizen, this particular shop has been a fixture in Penang for many years, and it is said to have been practicing this policy for a long time.
“Businesses have the right to set any rules, and whether you choose to patronize them is up to you.“
A quick check also revealed that this practice is quite common in many famous food spots in Penang, where there is an encouragement to order at least one drink.
