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In a historic moment that marks a significant milestone in Malaysia's architectural landscape, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri&rsquo;ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, officially inaugurated the Merdeka 118 Tower, now the second tallest building in the world after the Burj Khalifa, standing at 828 metres high.
With its distinctive design inspired by Tunku Abdul Rahman's silhouette proclaiming Malaysia's independence, the tower stands as a symbol of the nation's unity and diversity. Costing RM5 billion and starting its construction in 2014, the Merdeka 118 Tower has become the new tallest building in Malaysia, surpassing other iconic structures such as the Petronas Twin Tower and the Exchange TRX.&nbsp;
The Launching Night
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Video menggunakan teknik timelapse dari Bukit Seputeh menyaksikan Menara Merdeka 118 dihiasi dengan cahaya lampu berwarna-warni dan laser sempena perasmiannya oleh Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah dan Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/QdKmTh6eeB">pic.twitter.com/QdKmTh6eeB</a>
&mdash; BERNAMA (@bernamadotcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/bernamadotcom/status/1745106917767499812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
A timelapse of the LED show during the launching of Merdeka 118 Tower.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in his inauguration speech, emphasized the tower's significance as a representation of Malaysia's success in building a diverse and multicultural nation since gaining independence. The tower's unique design, incorporating diamond-shaped glass facades, symbolizes the rich tapestry of Malaysia's people and their varied backgrounds.
&ldquo;Menara Merdeka 118 stands tall as a testament to the unity and resilience of our nation,&rdquo; declared the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. &ldquo;From any perspective, this tower reflects how our country has gone through the passage of time, ultimately emerging successful in various fields with a social structure and values of unity according to our mould.&rdquo;
The Merdeka 118 Tower, soaring at 678.8 meters, will house the 118 Mall, offices, hotels, and residential areas. The 118 Mall, a seven-storey glass-domed shopping centre, is poised to become a hub for retail, entertainment, and cultural experiences.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong also officially opened the Al-Sultan Abdullah Mosque &ndash; the main mosque at the Menara Merdeka 118 development and expressed his gratitude for naming the mosque after him.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It is a valuable reminder and gift to me and the Raja Permaisuri Agong &ndash; which we will appreciate for as long as we live,&rdquo; His Majesty said.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/9a7ff87c1ae44b8a4dd27d81789a408cbfe9ea2fca4f6aefd13c194a1d1fc830" width="650" height="366" /> Credit to Bernama for the photos
The Grandeur 118 Mall
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/494383c70a12814e16b574b9264334d93535dbafea45d209f9fc9522f26ee2ab" width="579" height="326" />
As the iconic Merdeka 118 Tower steadily rises to claim its place as the second tallest building globally, another masterpiece is taking shape beneath its towering presence - the 118 Mall. This seven-storey glass-domed shopping mall, an integral part of the Merdeka 118 development, is currently under construction, promising to be a captivating addition to Malaysia's retail landscape.&nbsp;
Owned and developed by PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, a Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) subsidiary, the 118 Mall is set to redefine the shopping experience with its unique design and cultural inspiration.
The name &lsquo;118&rsquo; is more than just a numerical representation &ndash; it is a symbolic nod to the towering achievement of the Merdeka 118 Tower. With 118 storeys reaching towards the sky, the tower serves as an emblem of Malaysia's progress and unity. The mall, an extension of this monumental project, carries the same name, signifying its integral role in the broader Merdeka 118 development.
The 118 Mall will feature a cultural oasis within the mall with its diverse offerings, including:
<ul>
<li>Eat Street: A unique al fresco dining experience where local and international restaurants offer all-day dining and after-hours hangout spots. This space aims to celebrate Malaysia&rsquo;s diverse culinary heritage, bringing people together through food.</li>
<li>The Raincloud: One of the most dramatic features of the mall is the multi-storey water feature with an interactive screen to display customized messages &ndash; The Raincloud. This state-of-the-art innovation aims to create an immersive and interactive experience for visitors, making shopping more than just a transactional activity.</li>
<li>The Dome: The 118 Mall boasts the biggest shopping mall dome in Malaysia, offering visitors a visually stunning and immersive experience. The dome symbolises the nation&rsquo;s aspirations &ndash; reaching new heights in architecture and design.</li>
<li>Malaysian Artisan District: A curated retail floor within the mall is dedicated to Malaysian cuisine and heritage products, providing a platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs. This space showcases the nation&rsquo;s rich cultural heritage and supports local businesses.</li>
<li>Event Space: A large, bright and inviting area within the mall is dedicated to hosting various events and exhibitions. This multipurpose is designed to foster community engagement and cultural exchange.</li>
</ul>
Do Malaysians Need Another Shopping Mall?
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/5ceccff1a17782ec8184018e2eea914d4b43b473c114475bb8d0f87dd4fbb286" width="565" height="318" /> Sunway Pyramid and KLCC
While the Merdeka 118 Tower and its accompanying mall are undoubtedly impressive, some voices in the community have raised questions about the necessity of yet another shopping mall in Malaysia. Netizens argue that the country may not need more commercial spaces but alternative public facilities that cater to the broader needs of the population.
The development of shopping malls has been a consistent trend in Malaysia, with numerous malls dotting urban landscapes across the country. The public has agreed that instead of prioritizing commercial spaces, the government should focus on investing in public facilities that address the essential needs of Malaysians.&nbsp;
To top it all off, with the recent unveiling of The Exchange TRX Mall, there are growing concerns about the necessity of yet another shopping centre featuring similar retail stores already present in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_shopping_malls_in_Malaysia">1990 shopping malls</a> (!!!)&nbsp; scattered across the nation. In Klang Valley itself, we have an absurd amount of at least 200 shopping malls (Again, absurd. *insert other absurd synonyms because why?), so the question remains. Do we need another mall to add to our collection?&nbsp;
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/3075/heartbeat-of-the-city-the-exchange-trx-opens-transforming-kls-social-scene">Heartbeat Of The City: The Exchange TRX Opens, Transforming Of KL&rsquo;s Social Scene!</a>
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/3088/the-fun-drains-out-trx-mall-closes-water-sensory-playground">The Fun Drains Out: TRX Mall Closes Water Sensory Playground</a>
Malaysia could benefit from increased investment in educational facilities, particularly in underserved areas. The construction of more schools, vocational training centres, and universities could contribute significantly to the nation's intellectual capital. Apart from that, improving and expanding healthcare facilities is another area of concern.&nbsp;
Increased funding for hospitals, clinics, and medical research centres could enhance the nation's healthcare system, ensuring better access to quality medical services for all Malaysians. Investments in public transportation infrastructure can also alleviate traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions. Improved and efficient public transportation systems would enhance connectivity and accessibility for Malaysians.
Not to mention, with the rapid urbanization, there is a growing need for green spaces and recreational facilities. Parks, playgrounds, and sports complexes contribute to the well-being of communities, providing spaces for relaxation and physical activity.&nbsp;
In other news, Jalil Rasheed, the former CEO of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (also the youngest), tweeted a picture of the Merdeka 118 Tower &ndash; reminiscing his time there during its construction period was met with aggressive backlash from the public.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Looking absolutely super. Fond memories of weekly meetings poring through every detail of this structure <a href="https://t.co/WlEwQRhIar">pic.twitter.com/WlEwQRhIar</a>
&mdash; Jalil Rasheed (@jalilword) <a href="https://twitter.com/jalilword/status/1745040295497236501?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<img src="https://r2.myc.my/01478f4ff7450b6cc4d3d69137b6f2f99d7ff3e3264410ef09aba8a3f016c981" width="371" height="407" />
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c8244958894211fd87e207bcec8df86e5ae9bbd85fad38958984844d5dd3f9ec" width="364" height="374" /> Netizens disagree with Jalil's stance on the Merdeka 118 Tower
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Should&rsquo;ve used the funds to build underground tunnels underneath all MRT and LRT stations across all 8 cardinal directions, 750m each directions, tbh. KL is the 7th ranked cities with the most sky scrappers behind China, US, &amp; UAE but our median salary is RM 2,300/m. <a href="https://t.co/j6rdZEmJoW">https://t.co/j6rdZEmJoW</a>
&mdash; Fayadh (@fxwxb) <a href="https://twitter.com/fxwxb/status/1745084699456758117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A permanent scar in a historically significant part of KL. What a shame. <a href="https://t.co/a2fNVgTGII">https://t.co/a2fNVgTGII</a>
&mdash; Nabil Ersyad (@NabilErsyad) <a href="https://twitter.com/NabilErsyad/status/1745079523907895390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</blockquote>
Hot takes on Merdeka 118 Tower tainting the KL landscape
While the Merdeka 118 Tower and 118 Mall represent a leap forward in architectural achievement and economic development, finding a balance between commercial projects and public infrastructure is crucial.
The government, developers and communities must collaborate to ensure the nation&rsquo;s growth is holistic and inclusive, addressing the population's diverse needs. As Malaysians celebrate this architectural marvel, it is essential to engage in a broader conversation about the allocation of resources, ensuring that the development trajectory is sustainable, inclusive and responsive to the evolving needs of people.
The Merdeka 118 Tower stands tall, not only as a physical landmark but also as a metaphor for the nation&rsquo;s journey, inviting Malaysians to reflect on their shared history and envision a future that caters to the well-being of all.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Bernama &amp; various cross-references for context.
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Another new mall in Klang Valley? Yep, you read that right.

54f4e04adae4c987c730de1e1997c3ec0535b9da32dae4d368f3a71adcd2436e

Merdeka 118 Tower Grand Opening: Countdown Begins For 118 Mall; A Mall Too Many Or A Must Visit?

Merdeka 118 Tower Grand Opening: Countdown Begins For 118 Mall; A Mall Too Many Or A Must Visit?

Another new mall in Klang Valley? Yep, you read that right.

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