MELAKA: The Melaka state government wants hotels here to end hidden surcharges on restaurant bills during this upcoming Lunar New Year reunion dinner.
State Entrepreneur, Cooperative Development, and Consumer Affairs committee chairman Allex Seah Shoo Chin said hotels must be transparent with their pricing by not taking advantage of their diners.
"Some hotels initially advertise low prices to attract revellers to hold reunion dinners at their restaurants but later impose additional charges that surprise diners at the end of their meals.
“Reunion dinners are an extravagant affair and the joy of these gatherings shouldn't be marred by hidden charges imposed by restaurants at the hotels,” he said on Sunday (Jan 19).
Earlier, Seah attended a pre-Chinese New Year gathering held at the “One Family” Kopitiam in Plaza Semabok, here.
Melaka CID Chief Asst Comm Leow Kian Heong was among the invitees at the gathering.
The event also marked the introduction of banana leaf servings at the eatery.
He said that hotels should publish an "all-in" pricing, where the total cost, including taxes and service charges, is displayed upfront before bookings are made for such dinners.
This, he said, would ensure a more enjoyable and stress-free experience for families celebrating the Lunar New Year.
Seah said there were complaints previously from diners on hotels imposing hidden charges when they gathered for reunion dinners.
Separately, the Kesidang assemblyman said the state government will ensure no shortage of essential items during the Chinese New Year season.
He said regular inspections will be also activated throughout the state to ensure that supplies are enough to meet local demand during the festive season.
Meanwhile, spokesman for the One Family Kopitiam, Kent Tan Chow Teng said the debut of banana leaf meals at the eatery is to create a "muhibbah" ambience for its patrons.
The Kopitiam was launched last year by five volunteers from a charity organisation here.
Tan and four others, Gan Meng Deng, 43, Lim Soon Hoon, 42, Thomas Lee Huey Ren and Yong Yaw Yoong, both 40, decided to collectively name their Kopitiam as "One Family" to reflect their close-knit friendship.
