Merdeka 118, standing tall over the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
GLISTENING in the tropical sun, Merdeka 118 is more than a jewel on the Kuala Lumpur skyline – it stands as a symbol of Malaysia’s ascent into the future.
Soaring 678.9m into the sky, its crystalline facade is inspired by patterns found in Malaysian songket, symbolising the nation’s rich heritage.
Merdeka 118 is not only the tallest building in the country and South-East Asia, but also the second tallest in the world after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.
With 118 storeys within, the tower marks a new chapter in Malaysian engineering and architectural innovation.
It was conceived as the centrepiece of a mixed-use development that has Grade A office spaces, luxury hospitality, curated retail, residences and public attractions within one integrated development.
The site along Jalan Hang Jebat, adjacent to the historic Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara, imbues it with deep national significance.
Together with the tower’s name, it forms a powerful bridge between Malaysia’s momentous declaration of independence in 1957 and its contemporary global ambitions.
This bold synthesis of heritage, modernity and environmental responsibility saw it winning both the Office and Sustainable Development categories of the Malaysia Property AwardTM 2025 by FIABCI-Malaysia.
For PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud, the accolades underscore their unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainability.
“It reaffirms Merdeka 118’s position as a benchmark for responsible, inclusive and forward-thinking development.
“Winning not just one but two awards is a testament to the passion and dedication of everyone involved in realising a landmark that embodies progress, innovation and national pride,” he shared.
Tengku Ab. Aziz said it also positions the tower as a world-class destination that would contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic and cultural landscape.
“Merdeka 118 is more than just the second tallest tower in the world. It’s a powerful symbol of Malaysia’s heritage and unity.
“Its spire was inspired by the iconic sight of our first Prime Minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, raising his hand to proclaim Merdeka! on Aug 31, 1957.
“The tower’s distinctive design incorporates a mix of diamond- shaped facets inspired by traditional Malay songket patterns.
“It is a tribute to Malaysian cultural diversity and heritage.
“This allows Merdeka 118 to stand out globally as both an architectural and iconic landmark, one that celebrates progress while honouring national history and identity,” he continued.
A towering vision
Strategically located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Merdeka 118 precinct connects three key commercial nodes – KLCC, KL Sentral and the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX).
This forms a powerful new business corridor, positioning it as the epicentre of infinite possibilities.
The master plan spans 40 acres and integrates modern development with heritage conservation.
Half of the site was dedicated to Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara, both gazetted as National Heritage sites in 2005 and fully restored by 2008 at a cost of RM13 million.
Today, they are once again key venues for concerts, sporting events and more.
The Merdeka 118 tower reached structural completion in December 2023 and comprises several key components, which are opening in phases.
The office spaces will be home to leading firms and corporations – including PNB’s own corporate headquarters.
Taking the uppermost floors is Malaysia’s only Park Hyatt.
Opened recently in August, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur offers luxurious accommodation with unrivalled views of the city.
Topping the tower is The View at 118, which will be South-East Asia’s highest observation deck and the city’s newest attraction, opening in the second quarter of 2026.
“The journey to completing Merdeka 118 was filled with both logistical challenges and rewarding triumphs,” Tengku Ab. Aziz highlighted.
“Building one of the world’s tallest structures, adjacent to two heritage stadiums, demanded precision engineering, careful planning and coordination, as well as rigorous safety standards.
“Seeing the tower now completed and standing proudly over Kuala Lumpur’s skyline brings an immense sense of pride, not just for PNB Merdeka Ventures as an organisation, but for the nation as a whole, because it represents what Malaysians can achieve through vision, determination and unity.”
Incorporates elements of the country’s heritage such as the Minangkabau-inspired interior reception area.
At the tower’s podium, the upcoming 118 Mall is poised to bring a new dimension to urban retail.
A seven-storey, glass-domed shopping destination with over 800,000sq ft of net lettable space, it is slated for completion in the third quarter of 2026.
Surrounding the area is Merdeka Boulevard at 118, a four-acre linear park, complementing Masjid Al-Sultan Abdullah, which opened earlier in January 2024.
Coming up are Look at 118, which will house the Merdeka Textile Museum, a curated cafe, gift shop and rooftop lookout, and purpose-built childcare centre Little M.
Future phases will add residential components – the Oakwood Premier Kuala Lumpur serviced apartments, and the Merdeka Residences East and West Towers.
Together, these will transform the precinct into a vibrant business and lifestyle hub for residents and visitors alike.
Future-ready workspaces
For firms and brands seeking an address that embodies prestige, performance and purpose, Merdeka 118 delivers on every front.
Of the tower’s approximately 3.1 million sq ft of gross floor area, some 1.6 million sq ft are premium Grade A office spaces.
The offices feature flexible layouts and state-of-the-art infrastructure to cater to the demands of various modern enterprises.
The building uses next-generation high-speed elevators, intelligent building management and energy-efficient systems to move people and optimise operational sustainability.
Merdeka 118 is also Malaysia’s first mega-tall building to be LEED Platinum certified under the LEED v2009 Core & Shell rating system.
It is also on track to secure triple platinum recognition under GreenRE and Green Building Index (GBI), and WELL certification, reflecting an unwavering commitment to ESG excellence.
This was realised through deliberate design decisions, such as the use of low-emissivity glazing to minimise heat gain, advanced water management systems, underfloor air-conditioning, adaptive lighting and other intelligent technologies.
“Together, these elements enhance overall performance, optimise energy use and reduce environmental impact,” Tengku Ab. Aziz pointed out.
“Beyond that, Merdeka 118’s sustainability features also extend to community integration, with the overall precinct creating inclusive public spaces that foster social interaction and accessibility.
“Having an address at Merdeka 118 goes beyond simply being a place of business.
“It embodies a statement of excellence, innovation and forward-thinking.”
These factors, along with the tower’s stature, has led to strong leasing interest from both domestic and international firms, corporations and brands.
A lifestyle ecosystem
Merdeka 118 redefines the concept of a workplace by embedding it within a complete lifestyle ecosystem.
Beyond its office levels, the development’s integrated retail, hospitality, residential and leisure components create a vertical city that never sleeps.
And all that is enabled by seamless connectivity.
The development is directly linked to the Merdeka MRT station with an underground connection to Basement 3 (B3) of 118 Mall, and integrated with nearby LRT (Plaza Rakyat and Hang Tuah stations) and monorail lines (Maharajalela and Hang Tuah stations) for easy mobility.
The new Belfield Tunnel enhances accessibility for vehicular traffic, offering direct and convenient access to the precinct from various major highways.
“More than just a remarkable architectural landmark, Merdeka 118 offers a holistic precinct experience where Malaysia’s rich heritage meets the vibrancy of modern city life.
“With world-class infrastructure, premium amenities, green spaces and retail, dining and cultural attractions, it provides an inspiring and dynamic environment for today’s professionals,” Tengku Ab. Aziz said.
“And as the country’s most prestigious business address, it elevates corporate presence, enhances brand visibility and positions companies at the centre of Kuala Lumpur’s growing commercial and cultural landscape.
“Merdeka 118 is more than a skyscraper.
“It’s a beacon of progress, unity and ambition – and where Malaysia’s promising future takes shape.”
