Hawkers reject call for compulsory free drinking water at eateries
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Hawkers Association has pushed back against a proposal to make plain drinking water free at eateries, saying a mandatory policy would erode profits and burden businesses. Its president Ooi Thean Huat said the proposal is not feasible and should not be made compulsory.
“Whether to provide free plain water or charge customers who do not order drinks should be left to individual business owners.
READ MORE: Malaysia urged to make plain water default beverage at all food outlets
Every eatery has different operating costs and a different business model.”
He added that food operators are already grappling with rising costs, including electricity, manpower and equipment maintenance.
“Beverage sales are an important source of income for many eateries. Drinks generate a profit margin of about 40%, helping operators cover their operating costs. Making free plain water mandatory will inevitably affect businesses.”
He also said while some eateries charge between 50 sen and 80 sen for customers who do not order beverages and others charge for plain water, such decisions should remain at the discretion of the business owner.
He added that most community events already provide free drinking water for attendees, which he described as “good for health”.
On Wednesday, the Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy urged the government to require all licensed food establishments to provide customers with free plain drinking water to encourage healthier choices and reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023, 54.4% of Malaysian adults, which is more than 11 million people, are overweight or obese.
However, consumer opinions are divided. Seri Delima resident Jennifer Ooi, who is in her 40s, welcomed the proposal.
“It is a good idea. They should provide plain water free of charge instead of charging customers between 50 sen and RM2 for a glass,” she said, referring to both hawker centres and restaurants.
“After all, not many people would opt for plain water, so it should not be a major concern for business owners.”
Nurul Nabilah Azhan, 25, a technician from Kedah, also welcomed the proposal, saying many restaurants already provide free plain drinking water.
“It is a great idea. Many restaurants are already doing this, so it would be easy for more places to adopt it. “I usually order plain water with my meal, but afterwards I will often buy sweet drinks from outlets such as coffee or bubble tea.
“Not everyone has the privilege of choosing healthier options, so it would be good if restaurants encouraged healthier choices by making them more accessible and appealing,” she added.
Sharifah Nur Jannah, 45, who works in marketing and is based in Johor Bahru, said she fully supports the proposal and added that many restaurants already provide complimentary plain water regardless of what customers order.
“When I eat out, I usually order plain water. I treat sweet drinks as a dessert, so having plain water with my meal helps me balance my sugar intake.”
Real estate negotiator Kwok Kum Kay, 59, said restaurants charging premium prices for food and beverages should provide complimentary plain water.
“For kopitiams and food courts, charging between 50 sen and RM1 is acceptable. But if they can offer plain water free of charge, it would benefit consumers.
“A self-service system could be introduced at kopitiams to make it fair for operators.”
Rama Murthy, 67, a former engineer, said many banana leaf restaurants provide complimentary plain water as part of the dining experience.
“Most banana leaf restaurants provide plain water free of charge. They usually place a jug of water on each table for customers to help themselves.”
However, retiree Raymond Koay, 68, said obesity and the consumption of sugary drinks ultimately come down to personal choice and discipline.
“Restaurants that can afford it should provide free plain water.
“But coffee shops are different. They rent out stalls to hawkers for between RM30 and RM50 a day, yet still rely heavily on beverage sales.
“If they have to provide free plain water, they might as well just install a water dispenser and go home.”
