GEORGE TOWN: No action will be taken by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry on the two coffee shops which had placed signs stating that those who do not order drinks will be charged RM2

This comes following an inspection of both Lebuh Carnavon eateries on Sunday (March 17), said the ministry's Penang director S. Jegan, who added that the signs have since been taken down.

He said checks under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 found that both displayed the prices of food and drinks sold, and added that there were food and drink stalls renting and doing business.

"The kopitiam owners said the RM2 charge is no longer imposed and there were no longer notices indicating those charges," said Jegan.

He added that the owners of both places had explained that it happened because many tourists and customers came only to seek shelter before moving to their next destination.

"There were local customers who spent a long time, resulting in no tables available for new customers as well," he said.

Jegan said no action was taken as both eateries abided by the regulations by putting up prices of items on sale.

The inspection comes after a post went viral on social media with the claim that the two places had signs that read "each table will be charged RM2 if no single drink is ordered".

Earlier, the Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) had urged consumers to boycott coffee shops which impose charges if diners do not order drinks.