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Exploring Malaysia’s Most Addictive Collection Hobbies

06 Mar 2025 07:02 | 2 minutes read

Collecting isn’t just about accumulating stuff—it’s about preserving memories, celebrating passions, and experiencing the thrill of the hunt.

The diverse collecting scene in Malaysia, ranging from trading cards to toy enthusiasts, highlights our vibrant culture and deep appreciation for hobbies. Beyond just personal enjoyment, collecting has become a fantastic way for people from different generations to connect. Whether it’s a child unboxing his or her first trading card pack, a working adult tracking down that elusive rare figurine, or a retired senior reminiscing over vintage stamps, collecting is a hobby that transcends age.

So, let’s take a look at some of the most exciting collection communities in Malaysia today!

Toy & Figurine Collection

A display of Marvel action figures, including Thanos, Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Captain America, showcased in a collector's exhibition with price tags.

Toys and figurines from franchises like Marvel are highly collectable in Malaysia, with rare and vintage pieces, especially from the 90s, being prized treasures for enthusiasts. Credits: Toyark

Toys and figurines are serious business among collectors in Malaysia, thanks to the popularity of franchises like Marvel, Bandai, Star Wars, and anime.

Sure, you can get plenty of figures in local toy stores, but the real thrill comes from hunting down rare or exclusive pieces at conventions and exhibitions. It is no surprise that collectors often go to weekend flea markets such as Amcorp Mall and Pasar Karat to look for some vintage or rare hunts. Vintage action figures from the 90s (think Power Rangers and BraveStarr) are among the most sought-after due to their nostalgia factor.

Some collectors even dedicate display cabinets to showcase their prized figures like museum pieces!

Trading Card Collection

The Gathering trading cards, including "Doom Whisperer" and "Swathcutter Giant," with more cards spread out on a wooden table in the background.

With the growing anime and manga craze, comics by Asian artists are soaring in popularity, even rivalling—or possibly surpassing—the appeal of American comics. Meanwhile, Kampung Boy by Lat remains an evergreen collectible, cherished as a cultural and historical icon. Credits: East Coast Comic Expo

Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and now One Piece cards have made a massive comeback in recent years, blending nostalgia with serious investment potential.

Ever watched a live unboxing for trading cards? You should totally give it a go; many collectors now tune in to online sellers opening trading card packs in real time, turning the hunt for rare cards into an adrenaline-pumping experience. Platforms like Collektr make it easy for Malaysians to join live-stream auctions or trade within a vibrant local community. 

Some cards are so rare that they become holy grails—like the Black Lotus card from Magic: The Gathering or the 2022 One Piece Japanese Event Promo Top Prize Monkey D. Luffy. If you get your hands on one of these in mint condition, you’re sitting on a goldmine!

Car Model Collection (Die-cast Cars)

A display of Hot Wheels die-cast model cars arranged in a miniature parking lot setup, featuring various sports cars, classic models, and accessories at a collector's exhibition.

Limited-edition die-cast car models, special collaborations, and vintage releases are highly sought after by collectors. Credits: pojokoto

Hot Wheels and Tomica have been around for decades, but their popularity in Malaysia is only getting bigger. Limited-edition models, special collaborations, and vintage releases often become highly sought-after. During Hot Wheels Collectors Convention Malaysia 2024, a rare Honda Civic EG Hot Wheels with serial number SN 0001/1000 was auctioned for RM 21,000!  

And that’s not even a real car.

These days you can easily find them in convenience stores and supermarkets, making this collecting hobby more accessible than ever.

Toy & Figurine Collection

A display of vintage comic books, including classic titles like Captain Marvel, showcased in protective plastic sleeves at a collector's convention.

With the growing anime and manga craze, comics by Asian artists are soaring in popularity, even rivalling—or possibly surpassing—the appeal of American comics. Meanwhile, Kampung Boy by Lat remains an evergreen collectible, cherished as a cultural and historical icon. Credits: East Coast Comic Expo

Comics aren’t just for reading—they’re pieces of pop culture history. From first-edition Spider-Man and Batman comics to local gems like The Kampung Boy by Lat, rare and signed copies are highly valued. In fact, owning an original signed Kampung Boy comic is like owning a piece of Malaysian literary history.

If you’re trying to get into the hobby, look out for flea markets, auctions, and online platforms; they are treasure troves for collectors looking to snag vintage finds.

Blind Box Collection

AA vibrant Pop Mart store display featuring collectable blind box figurines, a large character statue, and shoppers browsing the shelves.

POPMART fever has taken over - collectors are queuing up like crazy, bulk-buying mystery boxes just for a shot at that elusive rare figure. Are you in on the hype? Credit: scmp

Pop Mart, BE@RBRICK, and other blind box collectables have created a whole new level of hype.

These mystery toys come in themed sets, with rare “chase” figures fetching high resale prices. The excitement of unboxing and completing a full set keeps collectors coming back for more. They’re easy to find in retail stores and online, making them accessible for beginners while offering great investment potential for serious collectors.

Stamp Collection

A collector carefully holding a Malaysian commemorative stamp set featuring portraits of royalty, encased in protective plastic for preservation.

What sets stamp collectors apart is their genuine passion—not just for the increasing value, but for everything stamp-related, from first-day covers to exclusive limited-edition releases.

Stamp collecting, or philately, isn’t just any hobby—it’s one of the most prestigious forms of collecting. Stamps encapsulate culture, history, and art, making them timeless collectables. Rare, limited-edition stamps—especially those with printing errors—can skyrocket in value over time.

For beginners, Malaysian commemorative stamps featuring local flora, fauna, and landmarks are a great starting point. And with Pos Malaysia’s official Pokémon stamp collection launching, now’s the perfect time to get in on the trend!

Pos Malaysia Pokémon Special Edition Stamp Folder Set featuring stamps, a Poké Ball folder, envelope, postcards, and a Pokémon TCG fun pack with a playmat.

Pos Malaysia Pokémon Special Edition Stamp Folder Set featuring stamps, a Poké Ball folder, envelope, postcards, and a Pokémon TCG fun pack with a playmat.

Are you ready to catch’em all?

Pos Malaysia is launching a Pokémon stamp folder set featuring specially designed Pokémon Trading Card Game stamps and the pre-order begins on 21 February 2025*! You can pre-order through: 

Priced at only RM99, the set includes 10 stamps, 4 postcards, a Souvenir Cover envelope, a Pokémon TCG fun pack, and a playmat, all in a commemorative folder. If you love classic Pokémon like Pikachu, Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur, you’re in for a treat!

Self-collection and deliveries start 27 March 2025. So save the dates on your calendars and don't miss this chance to own a piece of Pokémon history!

*Available while stocks last.  

*Tersedia sementara stok masih ada. 

Conclusion

Collecting is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to connect with history, creativity, and like-minded communities. Whether you’re into action figures, trading cards, or stamps, there’s something thrilling about preserving stories and curating a collection that means something to you.

And if you’re trading with fellow collectors around Malaysia, don’t forget—you can always mail them via Pos Malaysia!