QUOTE: “To get rich, you have to be making money while you are asleep,” English photographer and director, David Bailey.
In the heart of every bustling metropolis or cities lies an unspoken truth – the relentless pursuit of financial stability.
For many, the city is a beacon of hope, a symbol of opportunity and a promise of better days.
Yet, beneath the glittering skyscrapers and neon lights, countless individuals grapple with an ever-pressing question: how do we truly thrive in a world that demands so much yet offers so little in return?
Over the weekend, I watched the One Cent Thief, a Malaysian TV series produced in 2022 but was recently made available on Netflix.
Although it was only eight episodes long, I found that the TV series, which was inspired by true events, strikes a chord because it mirrors the silent struggles faced by many.
In real life, Malaysian robber Aman Shah – dubbed the “one-cent thief” – may never have been caught if he hadn’t gone on TV talking about his love of luxury cars.
The talk show caught the attention of his boss, and his capture, trial, and imprisonment in the early 1990s is now the stuff of local criminal legend especially when he amassed RM4.1 million from his crime.
The story of a man who siphoned off a mere one cent from countless accounts might seem trivial at first glance, but it reflects a larger and more profound narrative – the crushing weight of financial expectations and the lengths to which people go to survive.
For those living in metropolitan areas like Kuala Lumpur, the challenges are manifold.
The cost of living continues to rise, but wages remain stagnant and the pressure to ‘keep up’ grows ever more suffocating.
A decent home, nutritious meals, access to quality healthcare and education – these essentials are often out of reach for those earning just enough to scrape by.
This constant struggle breeds a sense of inadequacy, a feeling that no matter how hard one works, it’s never quite enough.
I must point out that this situation is not exclusive to those in metropolitan areas; it is something individuals like you and me experience from time to time, especially when juggling various commitments.
The protagonist, Iman Shah, in One Cent Thief embodies this intense struggle.
Iman, a former computer hacker turned underpaid wage worker, is constantly reminded how “lucky” he is to have a job.
Despite the discouragement, he perseveres to support his ailing father.
However, his breaking point comes when he discovers his father’s mounting debts to loan sharks.
Iman hatched a daring plan: to siphon one cent from each account at the bank where he works, intending to use the stolen money to cover his father’s medical expenses and settle the debts.
Driven by desperation and perhaps a sense of rebellion against a system that seems rigged against the average person, his actions highlight the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by many.
While stealing is undeniably wrong, one cannot help but empathise with his plight – a sentiment that resonates with viewers because it feels painfully real.
Urban life and all its allures often trap individuals in a cycle of work, bills and debt.
The dream of upward of mobility becomes just that – a dream.
People work tirelessly, often sacrificing personal happiness and health, only to remain in the same place financially.
This sense of suppression and being trapped in never-ending race will undeniably take a toll on one’s mental wellbeing.
What makes One Cent Thief so compelling is its ability to humanise the struggle.
It sheds light on a system that prioritises profit over people, where the gap between the haves and have-nots continue to widen.
This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of systemic change within organisations, particularly in the private sector, where employees are sometimes deprived of benefits such as annual increments, bonuses, and other perks that are often enjoyed in the public sector.
At the same time, it also highlights the need for policies that address income inequality, affordable housing and access to basic needs.
But beyond policy, the TV series also calls for empathy and understanding.
Behind every crime, there is often a story of desperation and of someone pushed to the brink.
It’s a stark reminder that while it is easy to judge, it is far more and necessary to understand.
As we reflect on the lessons from One Cent Thief, perhaps it is time to ask ourselves: how can we create a society where people don’t feel the need to resort to desperate measures? How can we build a world where financial stability isn’t a privilege, but a right?
The answers may not be simple, but acknowledging the problem is the first step towards finding a solution.
In the meantime, let us not forget the human cost of urban pressures.
Let’s strive to foster communities that support rather than suppress, that uplift rather than undermine.
Because at the end of the day, true progress isn’t measured by the height of skyscrapers but by the wellbeing of the people who live beneath them.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
