Culture & Lifestyle • Landmarks

Merdeka 118

Merdeka 118 is a megatall skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, formerly known as KL 118, PNB 118, and Warisan Merdeka Tower.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Merdeka 118 is a megatall skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, formerly known as KL 118, PNB 118, and Warisan Merdeka Tower. Standing 678.9 metres tall with 118 storeys, it is the second-tallest building in the world and the tallest in Malaysia. The tower was completed in 2023 and opened in 2024, developed by PNB Merdeka Ventures.

History

Construction of Merdeka 118 began in 2014, and the tower reached completion in 2023 before opening in 2024. It was developed by PNB Merdeka Ventures and became one of Malaysia’s most prominent modern landmarks.

Design and height

The building rises to 678.9 metres and includes 118 storeys. Its spire and overall profile make it the second-tallest building and structure in the world, after the Burj Khalifa.

Symbolism

The tower’s name and design reference Malaysia’s independence history. Sources describe the form as evoking Tunku Abdul Rahman’s 1957 independence declaration near Stadium Merdeka.

Uses and precinct

Merdeka 118 is part of a larger mixed-use redevelopment area. Reported uses include offices, retail, and hospitality, alongside associated public facilities in the surrounding precinct.

Key facts

Merdeka 118 is a supertall, megatall skyscraper in central Kuala Lumpur.
Its height is 678.9 metres, making it the second-tallest building in the world.
It has 118 storeys and is the tallest building in Malaysia.
The tower was formerly referred to as KL 118, PNB 118, and Warisan Merdeka Tower.
Its design is linked to Malaysian independence symbolism and the nearby Stadium Merdeka area.

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Canadian context

No direct Canada-specific connection is established in the provided sources, though Canadian readers may know it as one of the world’s tallest buildings and a major Kuala Lumpur landmark.

Frequently asked questions

What is Merdeka 118?

Merdeka 118 is a 118-storey megatall skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

How tall is Merdeka 118?

It is 678.9 metres tall.

Is Merdeka 118 the tallest building in the world?

No. It is the second-tallest building in the world, behind the Burj Khalifa.

What was Merdeka 118 called before?

It was previously known as Warisan Merdeka Tower, KL 118, and PNB 118.

When was Merdeka 118 completed?

Sources indicate the tower was completed in 2023 and opened in 2024.

Why is it called Merdeka 118?

The name references Malaysia’s independence, and the design is associated with the historic Merdeka area in Kuala Lumpur.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merdeka_118
Supports: Height, storeys, location, former names, and ranking among the world’s tallest buildings.
Wikipedia (Czech) — https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merdeka_118
Supports: Completion in 2023, opening in 2024, height, and storey count.
CNA — https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/merdeka-118-malaysia-world-second-tallest-building-appetite-skyscrapers-property-market-4591156
Supports: Current status as second-tallest building and independence symbolism in design.
ANTARA News — https://www.antaranews.com/berita/4355539/merdeka-118-gedung-tertinggi-kedua-di-dunia-yang-ada-di-malaysia
Supports: Tallest building in Malaysia, uses such as hotel, mall, and offices.
Architecture Asia — https://www.architecture-asia.com/Data/View/742
Supports: Project context, 678.9-metre height, and relationship to the Merdeka precinct near Stadium Merdeka.
Government of Malaysia — https://www.mkn.gov.my/web/ms/2024/01/31/7-fakta-menarik-tentang-menara-merdeka-118/
Supports: Location, precinct details, and related facilities.
BERNAMA — https://bernama.com/en/news.php?id=1969748
Supports: Developer information and construction milestone reaching level 118.