It has always been controversial regarding the price of food and the service at kopitiams. Some may argue that it is normal to be treated rudely at kopitiams, while others believe that kindness should always come first.

In a recent incident, a Travel Vlogger named Wild CARLOS Appeared shared a video of himself attempting to order a meal at a kopitiam in Penang and finding himself being treated rudely by the kopitiam workers.

After placing his order at a food stall, he browsed the beverage menu hanging on the wall and noticed nutmeg juice, which he decided to try as he had never tasted it before.

First Three Attempts

Subsequently, he approached two kopitiam workers, who appeared to be from foreign countries, to order the nutmeg juice. Unfortunately, they couldn't understand him.

As he sat down at a table to enjoy his meal, another foreign-looking kopitiam worker approached him and pointed out a notice on the wall. It stated that customers needed to order a beverage, or else an RM2.00 charge per table would apply. Carlos attempted to order the nutmeg juice again, but, as before, the worker couldn't understand him. The worker then called over a local colleague to assist.

"I Don't Care"

While waiting for the local colleague to come over, Carlos tried to explain the additional charges to his camera, and during this conversation, his camera inadvertently captured a strange facial expression from the local worker.

The local worker then approached him, insisting that he order a beverage. Carlos explained that he had tried multiple times to order a nutmeg drink, but no one seemed to understand him. Unexpectedly, the local worker did not understand him and immediately asked him to leave. When he tried to repeat his order hoping that the local worker could finally understand him, the local worker replied "I don't care". 

"Nutmeg juice is sold out."

In an attempt to clarify his order, Carlos pointed to the nutmeg juice on the menu board. Only then did the local worker comprehend his request, but he informed Carlos that it was sold out.

This series of events left Carlos visibly frustrated. However, he composed himself and asked for a recommendation, ultimately ordering what the local worker had suggested.

Mixed Reaction From Netizens

Carlos shared the video on his social media, and it quickly garnered mixed reactions from fellow netizens.

Most people agree that the kopitiam worker's behaviour was rude and that he should have been more considerate, especially when facing language barriers.

A few Penangites criticized Carlos for not knowing the names of the beverages displayed and suggested that his accent might differ from the locals.

One individual highlighted that what the kopitiam worker did was acceptable, as the vlogger brought outside food (the drink he had in his hand) which he was not supposed to. Additionally, they asserted that he should realize that his English is difficult for people to comprehend after nobody could understand him despite multiple attempts, and he should be more considerate toward the kopitiam worker.

While others remain neutral and have suggested ways for him to minimize communication errors.

Watch the full video here:

What are your thoughts on this situation?