Cover image via @alifnzam_ (Threads)
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
A photo showing trays, containers, and food waste left on a table at a fast-food outlet has sparked a heated debate over whether customers should clean up after themselves
Posted on Threads by user @alifnizam_, the image came with a caption urging diners to tidy their tables after eating, calling it "common sense".
"I know there are workers (at the restaurant), but at least have some common sense. If you don't want to throw it in the bin, at least tidy up a little to make things easier for the staff," he wrote.
View on Threads
Many users agreed, pointing out that simple gestures like stacking trays, gathering trash, and pushing chairs back not only ease staff workload but also show basic courtesy
Many netizens argued that taking a few seconds to tidy up reflects good manners, sets a positive example for children, and helps maintain a cleaner, more pleasant dining environment for everyone.
Some, however, argued that customers were not obliged to do so, especially since a service charge is already included.
One commenter wrote: "It's common sense. It's no loss for you to help sort the cups, stack the paper plates, and push the chairs back after sitting. Gather the trash together. When the crew comes, they'll just need to lift it and wipe the table. You earn pahala for making someone's work easier."
Another said: "I've traveled all over the world and never seen this problem anywhere else. Cleaning up your table at a fast-food restaurant is just basic manners, but changing this habit (in Malaysia) will take years and has to start with people choosing to do it themselves."
Others highlighted how small efforts contribute to a better dining experience: "I appreciate sitting at a clean table the moment I walk in, rather than a messy one. That's why I always throw my rubbish in the bin after eating. I hope others do the same so everyone can enjoy a nice dining experience."
Medical doctor and social media influencer Dr Malar Santhi Santherasegapan weighed in, saying cleanliness is ultimately the restaurant owner's responsibility
"I won't judge anyone who leaves the table like this because it's the owner who charges service tax, and it's the owner who should think about this kind of work and manpower arrangements.
"If customers help, in truth it's not helping the staff, but helping the owner reduce costs and manpower, and maximise profits," she said.
"I also like seeing customers who are considerate and help the staff to tidy up, [but] I don't want to act holier than thou," she added, admitting she sometimes clears her own table and sometimes doesn't.
Her remarks drew strong reactions, with many stressing that the issue is about courtesy, not service tax
"This is not about service tax, it's about courtesy and setting a good example, especially for the younger generations and our kids. In Australia, people clean up after themselves — you'd feel embarrassed not to. How can we call ourselves a developed nation if we can't manage basic manners?" one commenter argued.
Another was more blunt: "Nobody's asking you to be Marie Kondo. Just stack your trash, shove it to one side, and push your chair in. That's it. Five seconds of effort. Leaving a mess behind because you paid service tax? It just screams low class, to be honest."
