This cartoon plays on the high counter found in a traditional pawn shop. We can see, through a small window, that the broker is examining a ring with his magnifying glass. Today in Malaysia, while pawnbroking, or `pajak gadai’ is strictly regulated by government, it remains a traditional occupation, passed down from one generation to the next.

Anything could be pawned during those years. Due to different demands back then, ways of handling this business was also different. During tougher times, people would send in anything pawnable to our shop. There was someone who even pawned his favourite sarong in order to by some durian. Today, pawnshops take only jewellery and branded watches, and no longer would accept things like antigues…’