KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 26 — If you've recently visited a shopping mall, you may have noticed a peculiar trend: long lines forming outside stores. While these queues are often for the latest dining spots or clearance sales, it appears they are increasingly for something far more coveted—rare collectibles.

In 2024, Malaysians have gone wild for some astonishing items that have sparked both physical and digital stampedes to grab limited edition treasures. Here's a look at five collectibles that sent fans into a frenzy this year.

1. Pop Mart’s Labubu Dolls

If you’re a fan of K-Pop, you’ve likely heard about Pop Mart’s Labubu Dolls, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015. Recognizable by their cheeky grins and pointy ears, these plush toys became a sensation when K-pop star Lisa from Blackpink shared a picture of a Labubu Macaron figurine on Instagram. The news led to heightened demand in Malaysia, where pre-orders often sell out within minutes. Unfortunately, the craze has also attracted scalpers, with one Malaysian woman reporting a loss of nearly RM20,000 trying to secure these dolls online. Prices for Labubu collectibles range dramatically, from RM35.80 to RM4,199, reflecting their desirability.

2. Nike SB Dunk Lows

The sneaker culture may have mellowed somewhat, but sneakerheads in Malaysia still turn out in droves for limited releases. This year, the hype centered around two collaborations—the Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Visty’ by Verdy and the Nike SB Dunk Low x Futura Laboratories, designed by graffiti artist Futura. These designs encapsulate creativity with their unique aesthetics and premium price tags. Retail prices were RM589 and RM575 respectively, but resellers are now listing them for up to RM2,199. To combat scalping, local boutiques adopted raffle systems, where customers could only win the chance to buy a pair, leading to intense competition for those coveted tickets.

3. SVG Worldwide x EK: Astral Collection

Despite the dominance of international brands, local fashion is making its mark. Savage (SVG) Worldwide collaborated with EK’s Collection to launch the Astral Collection—an eagerly awaited lineup of jewelry that includes impeccably designed necklaces, bracelets, and rings. When it launched during SneakerLah, fans rushed to the booth, and the online drop sold out in mere minutes. Each bracelet priced at RM329 was gone within five minutes, with the last item, the SVG + EK Twin Light Ring, taking just 18 minutes to sell out.

4. Trading Card Game (TCG) Resurgence

Unboxing videos have taken over social media, seeing a dramatic rise in interest this year for Trading Card Games (TCGs), especially Pokémon and One Piece cards. Collectors are increasingly hunting for rare cards that can fetch staggering sums. Notably, Malaysian player Guan Rong won the One Piece Card Game World Finals, taking home a one-of-a-kind World Championship card valued at RM10 million. Local retailers report selling entire cartons of TCG packs, as buyers hope to stumble upon the valuable cards within. The frenzy has created an ecosystem where understanding rarity becomes vital for buyers.

5. Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Collaboration

In the luxury watch segment, the collaboration between Omega and Swatch led to the launch of the Bioceramic MoonSwatch, which intrigued many watch aficionados. The initial releases in 2022 saw significant queues at retailers, especially at Pavilion KL in Malaysia. However, the latest models in 2024, such as the Super Blue Moonphase and the Mission to the Moonphase, have shown a drop in demand, yet are still valued at RM1,370 each.

Conclusion

2024 has undoubtedly been a year where collectibles transcended mere items to become symbols of status and fandom among Malaysians. As stores continue to gear up for new releases, the vibrant culture surrounding these collectibles promises to keep enthusiasts on their toes. Will you join the lineup for the next big drop?