World’s 2nd tallest tower project Merdeka 118 on track after MCO delay

PNB president and group chief executive, Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn (pic) further told Bernama that phase three which encompasses three residential towers is due for completion in 2024/2025.

KUALA LUMPUR: Phase one and two of Permodalan Nasional Bhd’s (PNB) iconic Merdeka 118 precinct are expected to be ready by the second quarter (Q2) of 2022 instead of end 2021 as initially targeted, following delays caused by the movement control order in light of Covid-19.

The development is funded by PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd (PNBMV), a wholly-owned subsidiary of PNB.

PNB president and group chief executive, Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn further told Bernama that phase three which encompasses three residential towers is due for completion in 2024/2025.

“We are currently at phase one of the development that involves the Merdeka 118 tower and the surrounding infrastructure. Our concrete core structure has reached its peak at Level 118 and our tower facade has reached Level 82.

“It is envisioned that the Level 118 floor slab will be completed at the conclusion of 2020. We will be planning for our ‘topping out’ ceremony to commemorate the Merdeka 118 tower reaching its peak level of 118 storeys high, Malaysia’s tallest building and the second tallest tower in the world, ” he said.

He said the tower is 60% completed as of October 2020.

Merdeka PNB 118 is being built in the vicinity of Merdeka Stadium in Jalan Hang Jebat, Kuala Lumpur.

A direct connection leading from Jalan Istana into the basement of the development; pedestrian access linked to Bukit Bintang city centre; 106,000 sq m of road improvement; new tunnel connecting the Federal Highway and Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway 3; and 800m new flyover are part of the surrounding features.

Ahmad Zulqarnain said the project is currently in the beginning stage of phase two which comprises the retail mall and Merdeka Boulevard @ 118 linear park.

As per the requirements of the MCO, he said the Merdeka 118 construction site was shut down during the first three phases of the cordon sanitaire and gradually reopened from May 13,2020 onwards. In this regard, he said the developer is strictly adhering to the standard operating procedures set by the International Trade and Industry Ministry and the Construction Industry Development Board. — Bernama