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Malaysia’s new tallest building is set to be completed by 2020

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Photo from www.ctbuh.org
Photo from www.ctbuh.org

The Merdeka PNB118, part of the Warisan Merdeka mixed development venture by Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) on the site of the old Merdeka Park, was launched this week by PM Najib Razak.

Phase one of the project includes a shopping mall as well as what is to be the new icon of Malaysia, an impressive 118-storey skyscraper that is expected to be the tallest building in the country and the fifth tallest in the world when completed, overshadowing the Twin Towers by more than 100 meters.

The tower, also previously designated KL118, was designed by Australian firm Fender Katsalidis Architects and will include a six-star hotel of 236 rooms, 82 floors of office space and a sky lobby, while the mall will house 200 stores and a 12-hall cinema. This first phase is expected to be completed in 2020 and will cost a staggering RM5 billion.

When the plans were initially announced a few years back, there were objections from civil societies who where concerned about the preservation of two historically significant structures located next to the Warisan Merdeka development site.

118
Image credit: Jimmy Chuah

Both Stadium Negara and Stadium Merdeka, where the country’s independence was declared, are wholly owned by PNB. Another concern was the effects such a massive undertaking would have on the traffic situation which is already quite terrible, as well as the cost of such a huge project -money that could otherwise be spent investing in education and the economy.

To assuage concerns, PM Najib Razak said the two stadiums will not be affected in any way and that PNB will continue to preserve these historical treasures. He also pointed out that iconic buildings helped define a city and this new superstructure will showcase Malaysia as a modern and developed nation, reported Astro Awani.

The PM added that the cost of the entire project will be borne by PNB and the project is expected to stimulate the economy and generate 10,000 job opportunities as Warisan Merdeka will boost the attractiveness of KL as an investment and tourism destination.

As for the traffic congestion, The Malay Mail Online report PNB Chairman Tun Ahmad Sarji saying that Warisan Merdeka’s proximity to three railway lines, including the upcoming MRT Merdeka station adjacent to the project, will ease congestion and that traffic can be handled well as sufficient preparations are made for adequate access networks for entry and exit to the Warisan Merdeka.

For now, the project has begun and whether civil societies will have it or not, it looks like Malaysia is about to witness the construction of another national landmark.





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Comments

Aiman Rezza

For me Petronas Twin Towers should be preserved and no buildings surround it should be taller that it…its an icon to Malaysia and Petronas is a brand known worldwide but PNB? They should focus on getting us a good ROI not burning money to build the unecessary…dickhead

Ira Solehan

Another shopping mall? Another hotel? Seriously? What a waste of money! This is just him trying to outdo Mahathir!

Lina Sulaiman

Apalah ada dlm kepala dia…petronas towe pun byk floor kosong..tak.de org nak sewa office tinggi tinggi ni no…

Mohamed Irman

Nak bangunan tinggi2 tapi hutang negara tinggi2 jugak.

Ong Guan Jun

Waste fund. Imagine if there is calamity how to escape, jump down straight away kaput

Rishinder Dev Singh Shergill

Staggering 5bill ? Pfftt…jibby could fund it in a snap !

Phemilla Mahye Krrishnen

Do something about the climate change, our wildlife extinction,forests are destroyed for the greed and selfish of some being.
Gain: tall building,expensive lifestyle, so called economic power, country’s pride
Loss: The aborigines are affected the most, disparity among the rich and poor increases, hot weather, less supply of oxygen and clean water,wildlife extiction,more pollution and increase of health problem.
Decide by yourself,what we really want!!

Khairul Azmi Abd Kadir

Ha ha economy will down…high rise theory ..

Neil Oakes

That should make the people struggling with massive inflation in KL immensely happy what better than another vanity project causing disruption and mayhem for years.

Hanny Van Nispen

Dit zag je toch bij die maquette in the city gallery aan het merdeka square…

Myrthe Sablerolle

Hanny Van Nispen Daniel Alexander omgggg

Khairul Shazwan Ridzwan

The only thing reaching for the sky is my middle finger to him

Marcus Augustus Aoshi Lee

I feel like each prime minister want to be pharaoh to built something great in their name and image….

Far Red

newest with s… haha

عزمي احمد

Not a good idea. Too much office space. Lack of demand. This building will cause more corruption in UMNO and BN.

Wy Leong

5b? By 2020 will costs 15b…..

Araz Caliph

Yes yes yes…. UndurCM#

James Buckley

Just what is needed with all the empty office towers in KL!

Sukan Jaruyothin

Hopefully, we will be gone by then. Can not imagine what kind of traffic we will have around Jl. Tun Razak

Rizza Anne Sonne

What a waste of money… is that why we have lesser funds allocated for education and scholarships? 🙁

Mun Yee

Unfortunately the location is not a gd one ^ ^

Clloo

Good timing to boost the economy

Seven King

In 2020. We have better vision standing further from ground.

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