“Merdeka 118 is a proud moment for the nation having the Tower Spire completed amid the pandemic,” says Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob.

A quintessential landmark – perfect welcome for 2022?

Merdeka 118 is a success story amid all the challenges of the pandemic. 

• The tallest building in Southeast Asia at a height of 678.9 metres.

• The second tallest building in the world, behind Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE.

• A distinct focal point in the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

• Further established Malaysia as a modern and developed country.

• The first building to earn a Triple Platinum rating in Malaysia.

• Its accolades include Certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Green Real Estate and Green Building Index.

• The first to obtain both sustainability certification and WELL certification.

The iconic tower of the future is now the benchmark for buildings in Malaysia mainly because of its detailed attention to sustainability in building the tower and operating the project. 

Why is Merdeka 118 the most anticipated launch?

Malaysia, like most countries in the world, has suffered due to the pandemic. Merdeka 118 is a welcome change amid all the struggles and chaos bringing hope for economic growth for the nation. The building spans over 3.1 million square feet. The tower itself has 1.7 million square feet of net lettable area, which includes Premium Grade-A rentable office space.

As has been already mentioned above, it is the second tallest building in the world, dwarfed by only 150 metres from the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, which is 828 metres tall.

Since 2010, when Burj Khalifa was launched, it has dominated the interest of tourists who are attracted by skyscrapers of the world. Tourists from Germany are one its most frequent visitors followed by Britain and European countries. 

If historical data is taken into account, then Merdeka 118 can very well be one of the top tourist attractions of Malaysia. Until now, Malaysia is known for its exotic beaches, tropical areas, trekking and hiking spots. Merdeka 118 can define tourism to another level.

Just like Burj Khalifa, the iconic tower boasts an observation deck. Burj Khalifa’s observation deck is at the 124/125 floor. Together with a terrace, guided tour and luxurious lounge, this is the most visited place in Dubai. Merdeka 118 can be Malaysia’s version of Burj Khalifa with its observation desk situated at 118th floor. It will expose tourists to an exclusive top view of Malaysia’s skyline at 118th floor.

In 2013, Burj Khalifa recorded the highest influx of tourists of 1.87 million, uplifting Dubai’s tourism industry significantly. Similarly, Merdeka 118 can inject new tourists in Malaysia in this new normal just like Dubai’s Burj Khalifa had done in the past decade. And this can help the malls in Merdeka 118 Tower and surrounding businesses to rise again after their setback due to the pandemic.

Some of its more mentionable features are:

• The Tower has the highest observation deck in Southeast Asia at The View at 118.

• Top 17 floors of the building will accommodate the one and only Park Hyatt Hotel in Malaysia.

• The podium of the Tower houses the glass domed 118 mall.

• Built within is the Merdeka Textile Museum in Merdeka 118 Precinct, showcasing Malay-world textiles.

• Little M, a PNB Childcare Centre, has also set up their organisation here.

• Facilities also include Masjid Merdeka, a mosque which can accommodate over 3,000 people.

Adds to the intrinsic value of the surrounding development and community.

Merdeka 118 is positioned just outside the Merdeka Boulevard at 188. It is at an excellent strategic location, having a linear park over 1.6 ha of open space with greenery and water features. The surrounding areas such as KLCC and KL Sentral will benefit from this landmark, as the iconic tower will attract many buyers and residents in the area, leading to a higher demand for nearby developments.

The PM states that it has revived the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia. The construction of this building will be the new economic catalyst for Kuala Lumpur, encouraging more socio-economic growth, enabling businesses to resume their operations with renewed energy.

How are businesses expected to benefit from Merdeka Tower?

With the Malaysian economy struggling to get back on track, Merdeka 118 provides a golden recovery opportunity, bringing fresh opportunities for struggling communities as residents of nearby areas such as Petaling Street, Kampung Attap and Pudu can set up shop here.

Moreover, the PM introduced the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme in the Merdeka 118 Tower Spire completion ceremony on 30 Nov 2021. It aims to empower local communities to build resilient businesses, institutes and organisations. The is open for applications from 28 June to 20 Aug 2021 in three categories, which are sports, arts and business. 

The Government hopes that the Grant will help communities to organise more programmes and activities in the area. This will increase the attractiveness of the, giving people a reason to drop by and populate businesses here.

How far is the completion of Merdeka 118 right now?

At the Tower Spire ceremony, PNB president and group CEO, Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn, stated that the Tower Spire of 118 Merdeka has been completed. Due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), the building initially faced a six month delay. However, now, 85% of the entire building’s construction is completed. The floor installation has already reached 118 levels. Also, the glass panel is installed up to Level 114. 

He further added that the surrounding infrastructure upgrades are on track. He expects them to be completed by late 2022. And another three residential towers are expected to launch in 2023, which includes Merdeka Residences and Oakwood Premier Serviced Residence.

Looking ahead, what will Merdeka 118 bring this coming 2022?

The building which started development in 2016 is a significant step forward for the future of Malaysia. Previously, the area did not have any economic activities except for the few events organised there. The completion of the much-awaited Merdeka 118 development has now enhanced prospects for businesses and widened horizons for business opportunities in the area, which will aid immensely in revitalising the Malaysian economy.

Tun Arifin expressed that PNB’s ambition is to showcase the establishment as a world class investment house. It is a homage to our Malaysian history as well as a new hope for businesses and communities moving forward.

It is an asset property with massive potential. PNB envisions that the iconic tower will increase the value of real estate classes. The business, office location and unique facilities of the Tower is expected to generate stable long term returns to PNB. With that, it is hoped that this development will contribute to a faster recovery from the pandemic.