Imagine walking through a busy shopping mall and spotting RM50 lying on the floor.
Would you pick it up and return it to its owner, or would you quietly slip it into your pocket?
This question forms the heart of a social experiment that recently went viral, sparking a heated debate online about honesty and integrity.
M’sian man drops RM50 in public to test honesty and integrity
To explore this question, a Sarawakian man named Daus (@firdausjaidil) decided to conduct a social experiment at a shopping mall in Kuching.
Armed with a RM50 note, Daus filmed himself intentionally dropping the money while walking into a store, all while recording the reactions of passersby.
A Mixed Bag of Reactions
In one of the recorded incidents, a man walking with his children and pregnant wife noticed the dropped RM50 note.
What happened next shocked viewers: instead of returning the money, he slipped it into his pocket in full view of his child and walked away.
This act, which many saw as both unethical and irresponsible, drew criticism online.
Social media users condemned the man for setting a poor example for his family and pointed out that keeping what doesn’t belong to you is against ethical and religious principles.
However, not all responses were disheartening.
In another part of the experiment, a man wearing a cap noticed Daus drop the RM50.
Without hesitation, he picked it up, approached Daus, and handed it back.
When Daus revealed that it was part of a social experiment, the man simply smiled and refused the reward Daus offered him.
This small yet meaningful act of integrity won the hearts of viewers, who praised him for doing the right thing.
‘I tried to get the money back, and they did return it to me, but…’
Speaking to WeirdKaya, Daus shared his thoughts and insights on the viral experiment.
When asked about the man who pocketed the RM50, Daus explained:
“I tried to get the money back, and they did return it to me, but unfortunately, the camera didn’t record that moment. If I hadn’t asked for it, I believe they would’ve kept it. We do not want to support this kind of action.”
On what inspired him to conduct the experiment, Daus revealed that his passion for photography and storytelling played a major role.
“I’m a photographer, and I’ve always believed that what we upload to the internet can convey powerful messages. That’s why I chose to spread the message that ‘kindness is rewarding.’”
He also highlighted the importance of spreading positivity through online content.
“No matter your status, wealth, or race, I hope everyone can do good to each other because there’s always someone watching what we do. Remember to always do good because kindness is rewarding.”
“What we post today will affect the younger generation that watches our content. I want to call on everyone to be mindful of what they create on the internet. Let us all spread love and kindness,” he said.
‘Teach yourself to never take what isn’t yours‘
Netizens flocked to the comments section to share their thoughts.
This moment left viewers stunned. Many pointed out that not only was it unethical, but it also set a terrible example for his children.
One commenter wrote, “Don’t blame the kids when their behaviour reflects their parents.”
Another added, “Teach yourself to never take what isn’t yours, no matter how hard life gets. It could taint your earnings, lose blessings, and lead to a troubled lineage.”
While many criticised the man who pocketed the money, calling his actions disgraceful, others praised the man who returned it as a role model.
Ultimately, this social experiment has sparked meaningful conversations about honesty and accountability.
It reminds us that integrity isn’t just about what we do when others are watching—it’s about doing the right thing, no matter the situation.
Watch the clip down below:
