The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry will set up a committee to study the procedure for service charge implementation.

Minister Hasan Malek ( left ) said apart from the ministry, the committee would also comprise the Customs Department, and the Finance, Human Resources and Tourism and Culture Ministries.

"Through this committee, we will identify ways to regulate the service charge, including setting the 'regulatory framework' for issuing service charge, besides determining the rules and regulations for implementating it," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after launching the Kuala Jemapoh Umno branch annual meeting near Kuala Pilah yesterday.

The ministry has received many complaints from non-government organisations on issues relating to collection of service charge of up to 10 percent imposed by the hotel industry, and five to 10 percent imposed by the food and beverages industry.

Hasan said such charges were not taxed by the government.

Meanwhile, he said the Human Resources Ministry had agreed to cooperate with the Consumerism Ministry to monitor restaurants and hotels imposing service charge without ‘collective agreements’.

“Hotels and restaurants imposing service charge are advised to put up a notice at the entrance of their premises so that consumers are not confused.

“If consumers are not satisfied, they can report to the Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia.”

To date, the Consumerism Ministry has received 451 complaints via Facebook, and 445 complaints via Twitter on the imposition of service charge.

- Bernama