The Malaysia Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors’ General Association said the increased charge would serve as a “tip” for workers on duty on the first two days of the lunar new year.

Chinese New Year falls on Jan 29 and 30.

“Usually, most restaurants maintain the 10% service charge or do not operate on those two days,” said the association’s president, Wong Teu Hoon.

He said the association could not interfere with its members, who were free to impose service charges at their discretion.

“They have issued notices informing customers of the increase, so the public can choose whether to eat at their premises or not,” he said.

This comes after a restaurant was criticised on social media for a notice informing customers of the higher service charge on the first and second day of Chinese New Year.

According to the notice, the charge does not include the 6% sales and service tax.

Social media users had questioned whether the higher service charge is allowed by the government, especially during festive seasons.

FMT has reached out to the domestic trade and cost of living ministry for comment.