A journalist by profession, he often covers hard-hitting news stories. But in truth, he’s still the 12-year-old who fell in love with the “Harry Potter” series.
Today, he owns one of Malaysia’s most extensive collections. When Hizami invited FMT Lifestyle to his home in Gombak, everything seemed ordinary – until we stepped into his room.
From the large wooden showcase to the bookshelves, even the carpet and bed sheets, every detail is Potter-themed.
So, how did this love affair begin?
“I had just completed my UPSR and passed with flying colours. That’s when one of my dad’s friends gave me a present: ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’, the second book in the series.
“I collected all the books first, and I fell in love with the movies after that,” Hizami, 36, recalled.
Slowly but surely, he became wrapped up in the wizarding world. His favourite book is “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”. His favourite movie? “Prisoner of Azkaban”. And his house? Slytherin.
Explaining one of the many reasons he loves the franchise, he shared: “When the book was published, I was the same age as the characters. So as the characters grew up, we readers grew up alongside them.”
What sparked his collection was a Harry Potter watch he had purchased with his hard-saved school allowance. “There was a shop near KLCC that sold it, and I had set a target to get it by a certain month as I was afraid it would sell out.”
Today, that watch sits proudly among his other treasures: Hizami’s collection includes over 20 character-specific wands, the Royal Selangor Harry Potter pewter series, a robe, and even carefully preserved movie tickets.
The bulk of Hizami’s collection was put together during his time in the United Kingdom pursuing his studies.
“In the UK, there are many Harry Potter replicas. So I worked as a waiter, saving money to buy the collectables. In fact, they’re from all over Europe. I travelled to 22 countries to collect them.”
His most prized possession is the rare and expensive Nimbus 2000, bought in Switzerland. It’s the broomstick Professor McGonagall anonymously arranged for Harry in his first year at Hogwarts, after he made the Gryffindor Quidditch team.
Hizami joked that if his house were ever on fire, the first thing he’d save would be the Nimbus 2000. He even travelled on a train in Europe with it, drawing plenty of curious stares!
On the first night he got it, he was so thrilled that he slept with the broom by his side.
His love for the franchise goes beyond collecting – one of Hizami’s boldest moves took place in 2011, during the premiere of the seventh Harry Potter film in the UK.
“We had to queue there for a week. So my friend and I camped out at Trafalgar Square, taking turns to go back to eat and sleep.
“It wasn’t just us – people from all around the world were there. That’s one of my sweetest memories.”
Another priceless possession is a letter personally signed by Daniel Radcliffe, replying to a birthday wish.
‘Let the magic live on’
While Hizami is still collecting today, he focuses more on limited editions. His latest purchase is a Harry doll from the UK that costs around RM2,000.
And although almost 15 years have passed since the final film, he believes the spirit is still alive.
“We are still Potterheads. We’re actually still waiting for our Hogwarts letters,” he said with a laugh.
“Although our Harry Potter days may be over, let the magic live on in the newer generations.” That’s why Hizami is happy to let his young nephew enjoy his collection.
Commenting on reports of a new Harry Potter series in the works, he admits to having mixed feelings.
“I’m excited but, at the same time, a bit sad. We grew up with Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, as the faces of Harry Potter,” he said.
“Now that we’ll have a new cast, I believe all this merchandise in my collection will be much more valuable.”