Cha and her daughter Amy at the KL Collectors Market Chinese New Year edition at Central Piazza, KL Gateway Mall in Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
Market at KL mall draws in young and old during Chinese New Year
WHERE there are figurines, Hot Wheels cars, keychains, Pokemon cards and vintage clothes, there is sure to be a long line of collectors looking to snatch them up.
Many such collectors converged at Central Piazza of KL Gateway Mall for a two-day KL Collectors Market during Chinese New Year.
Muhammad Asyraf Hussin, 39, who became a serious collector in 2003, was enthusiastic about showcasing his collection at the market.
The part-time seller, whose interest in collecting started in 1999, had a diverse range of items including brand new, vintage and rare pieces for the public to explore and purchase.
“I sell mostly vintage items. Regardless of whether the customer is a child or an adult, they are welcome to browse and find something that catches their attention,” he said.
Asyraf said all of his items were sourced from various channels including local traders, online platforms and overseas from places such as the US, UK and Canada.
There are many toy cars at the KL Collectors Market.
“I strive to purchase items at reasonable prices, ensuring they are not overly priced,” he said.
“This approach allows me to resell them at fair prices, making them accessible to people from all walks of life.”
He said vintage items were currently trending.
“There is a growing interest in acquiring old cartoon and character figurines from the 1980s and 1990s, as such items were harder to come by in the past,” Asyraf said.
He also expressed satisfaction with the bustling activity and good sales at the market.
Those looking for rare figurines can expect to find something new every time.
He was pleasantly surprised to see many Chinese customers and their families exploring the market.
“It is nice to get their support during the festive season,” said Asyraf.
Another trader, Zulfadhli Abdullah, 35, from Taiping, Perak, said he collected Hot Wheels.
He told StarMetro that he was constantly on the lookout for events like this to showcase and sell his collection.
“This has been a hobby that evolved into a profession.
“My passion for Hot Wheels eventually grew into an opportunity for me to earn an income,” he said, adding that most of the items were obtained directly from the brand itself.
Molly Cha, 33, brought her six-year-old daughter Amy Lee to the market, during Chinese New Year, because she adores toys.
Many anime pins to choose from at one booth.
“We stumbled upon this market while getting lunch.
“I feel that it is a nice spot to bring the children since they love toys,” she said.
She would like more people to discover the market, highlighting the pastime as a wonderful hobby to spend quality time on.
“Nowadays, people are so accustomed to digital devices, and hobbies like this (collecting collectibles) often get overlooked,” said Cha.
Similarly, site manager Kevin Tan, 35, brought along his two children and wife, as he shared a love for figurines and anime with his children.
He said they had never been to markets like this before.
“We decided to check it out after having a customary Chinese New Year breakfast.
Asyraf, who sells mostly vintage items, has been a collector since 1999.
“I have a particular love for ‘One Piece’ (Japanese manga series). This market presents a great opportunity to not only indulge in my passion but also to acquire some figurines for my personal collection,” he added.
There were also young enthusiasts particularly fond of Hot Wheels who could be seen eagerly grabbing them to add to their collection.
Wan Zareef Wan Huzairy, 14, and his younger brother, Wan Zaffri Wan Huzairy, 11, discovered the market on a friend’s suggestion.
“My friend knows we are collectors of Hot Wheels.
“So, coming here has been exciting as my brother and I share a collection, and we aim to grow it,” said Wan Zareef.
Hilmi (left) and Nur are fond of toy cars.
He hoped that in the future, they could also set up a booth at similar events.
Hilmi Hakimi, 26, and Nur Yasmin, 24, along with their friends, arrived to look for rare figurines for their collections.
“Every time we come to an event like this, there is something new. It is never the same,” said Nur.
Hilmi encouraged those who did not understand the hype about collectibles to give it a try.
Seller Faris Fauzi, 36, showing his Super Sentai Series at his booth.
“People can start small with just one and then grow their collection from there,” he said.
The market also draws in crowds of vintage enthusiasts who appreciate the selection of clothes and shoes available.
A visitor, who preferred to be known only as Tara, 27, said prices were very affordable.
“Some of these vintage-looking jeans are about RM50, which is reasonable compared to those in stores or online,” she said.
