HONESTY is a virtue but can it be trusted when it comes to Malaysians and food?
This was the pertinent question when social media influencer kamaghul deghaman (@kamaghul) highlighted an ‘economy rice’ eatery in Puchong which goes a level higher than self-service by having no staff to man the payment counter.
Yes, you read that right – it was just trays of rather delicious-looking dishes but had zero staff in attendance whether to serve or collect payment!
Customers who patronise the Muslim-friendly Unnamed Restaurant in Bandar 16 Sierra in Puchong are expected to tapau their meals and pay according to the prescribed menu prices. This is either by dropping cash into a safe box or using a QR code to settle the bill.
Bagusnya ada konsep kedai makanan yang macamni. Tapi harap semua yang makan and bayar jujurlah sebab owner takde 🥹 pic.twitter.com/qew8BcbvGg
— kamaghul deghaman (@kamaghul) February 10, 2025
It is indeed commendable that the business proprietor holds his customers in such high esteem as we all know that many Malaysians will simply see this as an invitation to free (or greatly discounted) food.
However, one commenter noted that the customers are mostly workers in the vicinity. He believes that the restaurant operates another outlet and this is just the “kitchen”.
The restaurant owner would just display the dishes sans workers and trust that his method of service would not be abused.
The netizen went on to praise the food while acknowledging the reasonable pricing whereby late diners will be left disappointed.
Interestingly, one commenter argued that honesty was the least of the concerns. Who looks after cleanliness and food contamination among other things?
One netizen surmised that perhaps this was not a business for profit but rather a case of charitable contribution to society. He pointed to the ultra-low pricing and the knowledge that there will be those who take advantage as proof that this was a non-profit undertaking.
Knowing (some) Malaysians and their less than scrupulous nature when it comes to food, one netizen predicted that this restaurant would be a short-lived venture.
With another pointing out that Malaysian society was lacking in integrity for this concept to work on a long term/
Some believed the tauke was very wealthy and this was just “charity”.
However, one took the sceptic’s view by implying that this was a very imaginative method to launder money.
While some feared that many dishonest diners will flood the restaurant, now that it has gone viral.
Whatever the motivation, the restauranteur is to be commended for placing trust in customers to do the right thing.
If anything, it is one way to combat the acute shortage of manpower in the F&B (food & beverage) industry.
Diners also benefit as lower overheads translates into reasonable pricing.
FocusM wishes this enterprising and very trusting business owner the very best of luck. Here’s hoping customers don’t abuse the privilege. – Feb 13, 2025
