KOTA KINABALU, June 22 -- The Pokemon trading card boom has now reached even small towns like Kinarut.

Small wonder, as a single Pokemon can now fetch thousands of ringgit, with top-graded pieces valued higher than their weight in gold.

Collectors are seeing strong demand for graded 'slabs', with a grade 10 'Bubble Mew' by the Professional Sports Authenticator valued at RM2,000, while sealed boxes have gone for up to RM3,000.

In Kinarut, the hobby has taken root through Kinarut Tabletop Gaming, a community founded in 2024 with about 60 members.

Operating from a converted phone repair shop at Palm Square, the group offers trading cards, Gunpla kits, figurines and painting stations.

Led by Martin Eddung, 42, alongside Shahrizal Silent,...