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#trending: Netizens defend food chain Qi Ji's move to implement 10% festive surcharge during Chinese New Year

SINGAPORE — As Chinese New Year draws near, some businesses in Singapore have started imposing surcharges to cover costs incurred during the festive period. 

Patrons of Qi Ji, which has several food shops, will have to pay a 10 per cent festive surcharge during the Chinese New Year period.

Patrons of Qi Ji, which has several food shops, will have to pay a 10 per cent festive surcharge during the Chinese New Year period.

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  • A consumer complained about Qi Ji imposing a 10 per cent festive surcharge for the Chinese New Year period
  • Many online users defended the eatery, saying that there would be increased labour costs 
  • They also said that people working during the festive season deserve to be compensated for their sacrifice
  • Qi Ji said in response that the surcharge was aimed at offsetting higher wages, in line with common industry practices during festive periods

SINGAPORE As Chinese New Year draws near, some businesses in Singapore have started imposing surcharges to cover costs incurred during the festive period. 

One aggrieved consumer, however, took to Facebook to complain about a 10 per cent festive surcharge to be levied by Qi Ji food shops during the Chinese New Year period from the eve on Feb 9 to Feb 12. 

On the “Complaint Singapore Unrestricted” Facebook group, the anonymous person ranted: “Qi Ji Singapore go rob better, lah!  At most don’t eat your food, loh! You might as well close for Chinese New Year, lah!  

“(That is) no big deal, there is better nasi lemak around!”

Qi Ji is a Singapore chain with 14 outlets islandwide serving Chinese and Malay-style food such as nasi lemak (coconut-infused rice with dishes) and popiah (cooked radish and assorted ingredients stuffed in a crepe-like roll).

The complaint, posted on Monday (Jan 29), was accompanied by a picture of a flyer that indicated the intended festive surcharge.

As of Thursday, this piece of "news" is now trending in Singapore on various social media platforms, with a reach of 193,000 views in the past two days.

Many online users defended Qi Ji’s move, saying that there would be an increase in manpower costs during the festive period and that the workers should deservedly be paid more for work during this period.

Food-and-beverage (F&B) workers are typically paid double or more of their hourly pay during public holidays to incentivise them to work.

One online user wrote: “I think the (person who posted this) has never worked in F&B before.” 

Another said: “People (at eateries) work through the festive season while the majority enjoy the festive holiday… what's wrong with a surcharge?

“Demand is higher as more vendors are closed, eventually the workload is much heavier as there is less staff due to holidays.”

Speaking to TODAY, Qi Ji said: “Manpower availability will be significantly reduced over Chinese New Year.

“Additional monetary incentives beyond regulations will be paid to our service staff for foregoing the festivities.”

An online user pointed out that the employees, who are possibly foreign workers, may be sacrificing family time to work: “Have a heart, brother, these people have to work during the festive days while you are at home feasting and visiting, just treat it as a Chinese New Year hongbao gesture. They miss home also.”

Hongbao is the monetary gift in red packets exchanged during Chinese New Year and other festive occasions.

A few online users observed that it is common practice for restaurants still open during Chinese New Year to have a surcharge and that the move is not exclusive to Qi Ji. 

One person pointed out that fast-food restaurants usually do not apply surcharges during Chinese New Year. However, another suggested that this may be due to the high profit margins of fast-food restaurants.

Qi Ji clarified that it is “genuinely” not its intention to “take advantage of the festive period" by having this surcharge.

“We hope that by notifying early, we allow customers to make informed decisions and seek their kind understanding and support,” it added.

Last year during the same period, food-court operators Food Republic and Food Junction had a 15 per cent surcharge, saying that there were higher wages and ingredient costs.

Apart from dining establishments, hair and beauty salons also typically impose a festive surcharge before or during holidays such as Chinese New Year and Christmas. 

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