A restaurant in Saudi Arabia has started charging its customers for leaving food on their plates, Gulf News has reported.

The owner of the restaurant justified his decision saying that wasting food is against Islam and against social norms.

The restaurant, based in the country’s eastern Province, now imposes a 'wastage fee' for every customer who orders large portions of food and fails to finish their plate.

While many criticized the new fee saying that restaurants should not use religion as an excuse to 'abuse' people, others praised the move.

“Such a move should be emulated by all restaurants because we are turning into a nation that likes excesses. We all should learn how to live according to our needs and means, in line with the teachings of our religion,” a customer said.

“This is an act of great courage that should be fully supported,” another added.