SINGAPORE: The fervor for Labubu dolls shows no signs of slowing down in Singapore.

The fervor for Labubu dolls shows no signs of slowing down in Singapore and has even captured attention across Asia and the United States, where die-hard fans are forming queues in the dead of night outside Pop-Mart stores.

Incident of Fines and GST Charges

In an eye-popping incident showcasing this "Labubu fever," a woman returning from London found herself facing hefty fines after failing to declare several high-value items in her luggage, including coveted Labubu dolls. According to Singapore Customs, the woman was caught with an assortment of luxury items, including handbags from brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Dior, intended for gifting. She ultimately ended up paying a maximum fine of S$5,000 while also being charged S$3,963.69 in Goods and Services Tax (GST) for her undeclared goods. The woman stated that she mistakenly believed declaration was only necessary for personal belongings, not acknowledging that gifting items also fall under scrutiny.

Police Investigation into Claw Machine Incident

In a related incident, police are investigating three boys involved in tampering with a claw machine at a pet shop in Yishun, which led to the theft of five Labubu dolls valued at approximately S$300. CCTV footage captured the boys tilting the machine and reaching inside to grab the dolls from the “The Monsters Tasty Macarons Series.” This incident witnessed the disappearance of five of the original eleven Labubu dolls that were housed in the machine, according to Derrick He, the owner of Little Pets Kingdom.

Cultural Sensation of Labubu Dolls

Labubu, a creation of Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung, has become a cultural sensation since its inception, particularly after K-pop star Lisa from Blackpink was spotted with Labubu plush charms, instantly raising their profile. Last month, reports surfaced of thieves targeting these dolls, as one teenage girl discovered that a Labubu charm hanging from her bag had mysteriously vanished, leaving only the keychain hook behind.

A Must-Have Collectible

With their popularity soaring, Labubu dolls have emerged as a must-have item, reportedly selling out almost instantly upon release at retail locations. As the demand continues to rise, experts suggest that the frenzy surrounding Labubu dolls may only be in its early stages, positioning them as one of the hottest collectibles anticipated for 2024.

Conclusion

Stay alert, collectors—this trend shows no signs of abating!