‘World’s Second Tallest Building Merdeka 118 Now Officially Opened’

Merdeka 118, the world’s second tallest building, was officially inaugurated on January 10, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Standing at an impressive height of 678.9 meters, this iconic landmark now takes its place as one of the towering giants of the world, second only to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Developed by Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), Merdeka 118 boasts 118 storeys housing a variety of facilities including offices, hotels, and retail outlets. The tower offers 84 storeys of Premium Grade-A office space, with the upper levels set to feature an observation deck and Malaysia’s first Park Hyatt hotel.

PNB has set high sustainability standards for Merdeka 118, aiming to achieve the country’s first triple-green platinum rating from various reputable certifications. The tower will prioritize environmental sustainability, as well as the wellbeing of its occupants and the wider community.

Raja Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Arshad Raja Tun Uda, group chairman of PNB, expressed the development’s significance in uplifting the financial lives of Malaysians and symbolizing the progress and development of Malaysia as a nation.

Samsung C&T Construction and Engineering Group, the contractor responsible for building Merdeka 118, highlighted the innovative construction methods and challenges faced during the project. Over 400,000 cubic meters of high-strength concrete were utilized, supported by advanced construction technologies. Additionally, a GPS system was employed for real-time height measurements to ensure precision in the construction process.

The towering structure reaches over 500 meters in height, with a spire adding an additional 160 meters. To elevate the heavy spire without a traditional tower crane, Samsung C&T utilized hydraulic jacks in a unique lifting method.

Merdeka 118 emerges as a symbol of modernity and progress, representing Malaysia’s ambition and commitment to sustainable development and innovation in construction.