“Could’ve bought a BMW” – Malaysian Regrets Spending RM200k on Labubus, Now Unable to Resell Collection

He once took pride in calling himself a collector, but the consequences of the fear of missing out (FOMO) can be catastrophic.

RM200,00 spent just to be a collector

Every day, someone posted an unboxing. Others flaunted rare editions and talked about “limited releases,” “market value,” and “future appreciation.” The language was persuasive, almost hypnotic. Slowly, a quiet pressure grew inside him, the feeling that if he didn’t keep up, he was falling behind.

He was buying because others had them and because they were “limited” and because he feared missing out.

Step by step, he sank deeper. By the time he finally stopped to think, he had spent nearly RM200,000.

For illustration purposes only

The market had cooled. Prices dropped. Some pieces couldn’t even fetch their original cost. Demand had vanished as quickly as it once surged. One evening, sitting alone in his living room, he stared at the display as a single thought lingered: What if he had made different choices?

In the end, he finally understood something simple, yet painful. Not every “limited edition” gains value. Not every collection is an investment.

Also read: Loan Sharks Threaten Malaysian Woman Over Ex-BF’s RM1,500 Debt, Claim 6yo Daughter as Guarantor