Normally, during festive periods, establishments offer special discounts or promotions to attract more customers. Oriental Kopi, however, took a different approach and decided to increase the service fees from 10% to 15% during the upcoming Chinese New Year holidays.
The brand was met with significant backlash, with customers lodging complaints to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDNHEP) to investigate the matter. After some time, the restaurant issued an apology and addressed the issue. Here’s what they had to say:
In an official statement posted on their Facebook page yesterday (Wednesday, 22 January), Oriental Kopi apologised for their earlier announcement regarding the service fee increase and reassured customers that things would remain the same during Chinese New Year. “We are committed to providing you, your family, and friends with the best dining experience during this festive season. As we celebrate this joyful holiday, we warmly welcome you and your loved ones to enjoy authentic cuisine and ring in the New Year together,” the statement read.
Shortly after posting the apology, netizens had mixed reactions to the statement. Some still expressed their disappointment, stating that Oriental Kopi should not have to charge customers extra during the holidays. Others offered suggestions on what the popular kopitiam restaurant could do during the upcoming festivities instead of raising prices.
Meanwhile, Oriental Kopi Managing Director Datuk Calvin Chan Jian Chern told reporters that the company is planning to expand into neighbouring countries. “We are still in the discussion stage. Once everything is confirmed, we will proceed and make the necessary arrangements. For now, we are waiting for the good news,” he said during the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia listing ceremony.
Read Oriental Kopi’s full statement below:
