Merdeka 118

Merdeka 118 is a 679-meter tower with 118 floors and triangular glass sections rising above the central business district. The facade shows geometric patterns across its full height while the structure tapers upward and ends in a sharp spire.

Construction began in July 2014 after several years of planning by Australian architecture firm Fender Katsalidis. The spire was installed in 2021, making the building the world's second tallest.

The name echoes the Malay word for independence and ties the tower to the site where Malaysia declared sovereignty. Visitors experience it today as a symbol of economic growth and as a sign that the city has become a regional financial hub.

The building has 87 elevators serving offices, hotels, shops, and observation decks across 118 levels. Retail spaces on lower floors welcome visitors while access to upper floors may be restricted.

The glass facade incorporates traditional songket weaving patterns and translates Malay textile art into contemporary architecture. These repeating diamond shapes recall hand-woven fabrics once worn by royalty and create shifting light effects depending on the time of day.

Location: Kuala Lumpur

Inception: 2023

Architects: Fender Katsalidis Architects

Official opening: 2023

Floors above the ground: 118

Floors below the ground: 5

Elevators: 87

Height: 678.9 m

Address: Cangkat Stadium, City Centre, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Website: https://merdeka118.com

GPS coordinates: 3.14167,101.70056

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:34