Oriental Kopi in M'sia says sorry & will not increase CNY service charge from 10% to 15%

Popular Malaysian cafe chain Oriental Kopi has scrapped its plan to hike dining service charges in Malaysia over the Chinese New Year (CNY) period following public backlash.

This came after a notice at an Oriental Kopi outlet indicating the service charge adjustment was shared to social media.

"During CNY period, the dining service charge will be adjusted from 10 per cent to 15 per cent," the notice read.

This would apply on Jan. 29 and Jan. 30, the notice indicated.

CNY hike faces online backlash

Many online commenters criticised the service charge increase, with many questioning if it was fair or even legal.

Some surmised that the chain may have wanted to pay extra salary to employees during the festive period, and intended to pass on this cost to consumers.

A few tagged the account of Malaysia's Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, urging them to investigate.

The ministry said in a Jan. 20 statement that the food and beverage (F&B) industry should not increase service charges during CNY, China Press reported.

The ministry added that it has identified businesses accused of doing so, and they will be required to provide an explanation to the ministry.

Oriental Kopi says sorry

In a Jan. 22 Facebook post in Mandarin, Oriental Kopi apologised to customers over the matter.

"We are very sorry for the trouble we have caused you over the past few days," the chain wrote.

The chain said it would not be adjusting its dining service charges for CNY as planned.

"We are committed to providing you, your family and friends with the best dining experience during the New Year," the chain added.

Top image from Oriental Kopi/Facebook & @malaysia.shoppingmall on Threads