A woman, who had offered to pay for the party of six, received the rude shock only after she had settled the bill — RM16.06 as 10% CNY tax for her RM176.60 bill at the outlet.
The tax, according to her, was applicable to all customers of the outlet from Jan 27 to Feb 2. She had gone to the outlet on Feb 3.
Wanting to remain anonymous, the woman told FMT she had only noticed the CNY tax notice after she had paid the bill.
“After paying, I looked at the bill and I noticed there was a CNY tax.
“I noticed a flyer on the wall behind the cashier, in a tiny font, stating that they would charge 10% more for the New Year since the prices of vegetables have gone up.
“They should have pasted the notice on the front door.
“Since it is taboo to argue or be angry on Chinese New Year, I left without complaining,” she said.
According to a receipt, dated Feb 3, the woman and her workmates had ordered 21 items, which came up to RM137.70.
On top of the 10% CNY tax, the outlet had charged RM13.77 as 10% service charge and GST of RM9.09.
After realising she was charged with the CNY tax on Feb 3, although the notice said it was only up to Feb 2, the woman contacted the restaurant.
“The owner offered to reimburse the CNY tax, saying it was a system error.”
A restaurant employee contacted by FMT did not want to comment, saying it was best left to their bosses.
‘Restaurants cannot impose taxes as they wish’
Meanwhile, Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) said it was illegal for businesses to collect extra money by calling it “taxes”.
CAP public complaints chief Ravinder Singh said it was unaware of any “CNY tax” being levied by the government.
“The Inland Revenue Board must throw light on this CNY tax. If it is being collected illegally, it must act immediately and take the sternest action under the law.
“If the CNY tax has been illegally collected, it could be a criminal offence,” he said.
When contacted, Penang Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Department director Mohd Nawardi Saad said such tax, if true, appeared to be illegal.
“Taxes come under the purview of the Customs Department. Taxes are for government purposes only,” he said when contacted.
Have you been similarly charged during the recent festive holidays?
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