Not slowing down: Shaikh Hakim showcasing some of his Tamiya collection for sale at collectors market in Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: For Shaikh Hakim Shaikh Nizer, what began as a childhood fascination has evolved into a lifelong passion that now fills an entire room in his house – and occupies a significant part of his heart.
The 33-year-old’s journey into the world of Tamiya began when he was just in Year One, following a school event that introduced him to the popular Japanese miniature racing cars.
The sleek design, the customisable components, and the thrilling competitive racing scene captivated the young boy.
“I still remember the day vividly. At my school, a Tamiya promotion drew me in immediately. The sound, the look, the speed – it was magical,” he said in an interview during a collectors’ market held at a shopping mall here yesterday.
Seeing his excitement, his mother bought him his very first Tamiya Mini 4WD model.
But it wasn’t just a toy purchase – it was the beginning of a deeper family bonding experience.
His parents went a step further by crafting a homemade racetrack from cut-up cardboard boxes, which allowed him to practise and play at home with his father.
Together, they would attend Tamiya racing tournaments held across Malaysia, turning the hobby into a family affair.
“It was more than just playing with toys. It was about family time, creativity and fun,” he said, adding that those were some of the best memories of his childhood.
However, as with many childhood passions, life eventually caught up with him, and academic responsibilities led him to temporarily step away from the Tamiya scene.
It wasn’t until 2010 that he returned to the hobby, this time as an adult with the financial resources to invest more seriously.
His collection today includes thousands of models – both new and vintage – with many rare finds sourced from a close friend based in Hiroshima, Japan.
“My collection has now taken up an entire room in my house in Sepang,” he said.
According to him, the Tamiya scene in Malaysia remains vibrant, despite the fact that Tamiya originated in Japan back in the 1980s.
Shaikh Hakim, a management official at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, noted that the latest models typically sell for prices ranging from RM50 to RM70. In contrast, older, discontinued models – especially those from the 1980s and 1990s – can fetch prices exceeding RM100.
Some could even cost thousands of ringgit, depending on their rarity and condition.
In addition to collecting, Shaikh Hakim is an active participant in hobbyist events and collector markets, where he displays and occasionally sells pieces of his collection to the public.
“The bigger crowds are usually in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru. It’s always exciting to meet fellow Tamiya lovers, as they will recall childhoods spent playing with the miniatures, including using drains with their friends,” he said.
These events, he said, not only help keep the community spirit alive but also provide opportunities for newcomers to discover the hobby.
A key part of his journey has been the unwavering support of his wife, who encourages his passion and helps him prepare for events and exhibitions.
“I’m grateful to her. Not everyone understands this hobby, but she sees how much it means to me and supports it 100%,” he said.
Beyond Malaysia, Shaikh Hakim has also connected with collectors around the globe, thanks to social media platforms like TikTok.
His videos and content often attract fellow Tamiya enthusiasts from the United States, Dubai, Australia and Italy.
“The Tamiya culture in Italy, for example, is surprisingly strong,” he said. “There’s a deep appreciation for the craft and history behind these models.”
Through online platforms, he has also received international orders and trade requests, further expanding his network within the global Tamiya scene.
Despite the growing value of his collection, Shaikh Hakim noted that the hobby has always encompassed more than mere financial gain – it embodies passion, creativity and the preservation of childhood nostalgia.
