Recently, a coffee shop in Penang found itself inside a PR nightmare after it publicly shamed a customer who refused to order a drink, saying that it would “make him famous”.
Read about it here:
After massive backlash from netizens over its actions, Seng Thor Coffee Shop wrote on its Facebook page that it would be closing down permanently following a vote from the public over what it should do next.
Owner: Closure not true at all
However, in a plot twist no one saw coming, the owner of the coffee shop has stepped forward and denied that it was closing down for good.
Speaking to Sin Chew Daily, the owner surnamed Lim said that someone else had impersonated the coffee shop’s account and posted the fake public vote and closure announcement.
“I’ve already closed down the original Facebook account, so whatever that was posted is fake as it wasn’t managed by me.
“I wasn’t aware of the fake account until my family and friends shared with me about the closure announcement this morning,” he said, adding that he would be lodging a police report over the matter.
As for the hoo-ha that emerged as a result of shaming the elderly customer online, Lim expressed regret for his actions.
However, he said that it was a small matter which was “blown out of proportion” by emotive netizens.
“If I’ve made anyone unhappy by posting the photo of the old man, I apologise. However, I have no need to create such publicity to boost business as I’ve been in this line for years.”
What do you think of the owner’s statement? Let us know in the comments!
