Washing your hands may be the most basic hygiene habit — but one stall in Penang has sparked disbelief by turning it into a paid service.
A photo circulating widely on Facebook shows a handwritten notice pasted above an open-air basin, informing the public that using the basin and the provided soap will cost RM0.50. Though the exact location wasn’t disclosed, many netizens believe the stall is somewhere on Penang Island.
The unusual fee left social media users scratching their heads. Some speculated that the stall owner had grown frustrated with non-customers using the basin freely, prompting the decision to impose a small charge. Others argued that if the stall really was charging 50 sen just to wash hands, it would quickly lose customers.
A few commenters couldn’t resist taking jabs at the situation, joking that anyone paying the RM0.50 fee should at least bring the soap home with them.
The debate continues online, with many still wondering what prompted the stall to adopt such a bizarre idea.

