The Star reported cafe operators insisted that the price hike for a glass of plain water at their eateries is necessary because it is the 'trend'. A costly trend for distilled tap water! I paid RM1.20 the other day in a kopitiam in Bangi. Not that I'm a plain water fanatic, having preferred to have "Teh Ais" with my lunch. Since it is one of the items in my 2012 to do list i.e. to drink at least 3 litres of plain water every single day, I'm obliged to down it, at least during one of the main meals. Hmmm...managed 2 litres so far and that's a rare record, to be honest.
With the increased price, I'm inclined to add another 30cents to the RM1.20 and revert to my "Teh Ais". An indulgement which could be hazardous to my health, of course. Though I still blurred on the operators' rationale for patrons paying RM1 plus for a glass of plain water, Malaysians in general (from my observation) don't seem to mind. If they would rather see the earth crumbles by paying 20cents for each plastic bag they used at the groceries than to bring own re-cycled bags from home, I could imagine why they would'nt mind paying for a glass of plain water. Some even paid for bottled mineral water and left it unfinished on the table, adding another plastic to the already deteriorating environment. The disastrous effect of a 'trendy' act, I say. So when actually drinking plain water becomes a trend?
The trend while I was growing up was not mineral water or reverse osmosis water or oxyginated water (whatever that is). I drank tap water while growing up, right after my P.E. class in school. I drank tap water every time I ate the 'extra hot' sambal nasi lemak during recess. I drank tap water when pocket money was scarce. I drank tap water while I broke my 'fast' mid day during Ramadhan (Not supposed to share this but I was in training that time. I guessed I'm pardoned of that innocent sin). Tap water = plain water. As simple as that. I am fit as a fiddle, with no history of food poisoning. Maybe my stomach was used to it or maybe tap water was safer and cleaner. Imagine crystal clear water coming out from the tap.
Why did I say "was safer", "was cleaner"? Judging from the frequency of filter changes for my kitchen taps, I'm not confident to have it straight. I meant, the water. A few layers of filters still do not put my mind at ease, I boiled my water. Leave it to cool, store in BPA-free bottle and keep it with me throughout the day...well, most of the days...hmmm...only if I feel like doing it, which is quite seldom lately. Oh, what the...!!! I paid for my plain water and I am proud to admit it! It's a trend and I love being 'trendy'. So, do you want to say yes to free plain water?
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| Air yang tenang, jangan sangka tiada buaya = Still waters run deep (Or is it 'stilled' water?) |
hmm... if i am desperately in need of plain water, i wouldnt mind paying for it. my body's hydration is more important than money (imagine if i get dehydrated, start having sore throat etc, i'd have to pay more to see the dr!). If I have no choice than to pay for my plain water, then I'd have to opt for a cheaper meal. :)
ReplyDeletetrue enough especially when my bottle of boiled water sits prettily in the car :)
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