Latest news with #118Mall
Focus Malaysia
14-07-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Aren't property developers concerned of a retail space glut engulfing the Klang Valley?
'TOO much of a good thing is never good' goes the adage. That seems to be the point being made by business journalist Jason Ng (@ByJasonNG) on X, referring to the proliferation of shopping malls in the Klang Valley. I'm not sure if Klang Valley folks realise this but… … by the end of 2025, there's going to be a bunch of massive new shopping malls opened. 118 Mall Sunway Square Mall Ombak KLCC KLGCC Mall Hextar World Naturally, the question is… HOW MANY MORE MALLS DO WE NEED? — Jason Ng (@ByJasonNg) July 10, 2025 This came about as the associate editor at financial publication The Edge lists 118 Mall, Sunway Square Mall, Ombak KLCC. KLGCC Mall and Hextar World as among the new retail spaces that will be open for business in by end-2025. Wondering 'HOW MANY MORE MALLS DO WE NEED', he even used a meme to underline his point that the glut in shopping complexes was driven by property developers themselves. The former Wall Street Journal staff correspondent went on to use Hextar World @ Empire City to illustrate the massive amount of retail space that will become available as it will have an equivalent rentable floor space (1.8 million sq ft) as the massive Mid Valley Megamall. The poster also asked if there was really a need for a shopping mall every 5km? One commenter supported the poster's contention with a chart denoting distance between malls with Kuala Lumpur having a mall within a 5km-radius of the next one. A few commenters echoed the sentiment that the developers must still see this as profitable for them to keep building. But this demand was also driven by Malaysian's love of shopping malls. It's the free air conditioning, some claimed. One observer even tied it to saving on energy bills at home. Another commenter pointed to Department of Statistics data that revealed shopping malls to be in the top five destinations in every state, save for the Federal Territory of Labuan and Perlis. It was very much a demand and supply situation. With the apparent glut of retail space, there were bound to be those that ended up as ghost malls. Some commenters proposed novel solutions on how to upcycle such spaces. Turning them into residential spaces was one such idea. There were also calls for more public parks, hospitals and incredibly, public libraries! This commenter has obviously not visited the very comfy and air-conditioned public libraries available which are mostly deserted. Compare that to the overflowing traffic at shopping malls and this commenter's suggestion, though well-intentioned, underlines where Malaysians prefer to spend their time. A few foresaw a dystopian vision of the Klang Valley which was connected via one long mall. The reality is, as pointed out by various comments, it's driven by demand. Whether it is to enjoy a family day out in an air-conditioned environment or to indulge in some retail therapy, Malaysians love of shopping malls show no sign of abating. – July 14, 2025 Main image credit: KL Foodie/Facebook
Time Out
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This striking skyscraper in Malaysia makes a dazzling appearance in Marvel's 'Thunderbolts' movie
The premiere of Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts on April 22 came with an extra sweet treat for Malaysian fans. The Hollywood movie featured a striking skyscraper – none other than the iconic Merdeka 118. It was showcased in serious style, too, with main actress Florence Pugh, playing Black Widow agent Yelena Belova, taking a dramatic leap off the mega-tall structure. Mind you, it's the second-tallest structure in the world after Dubai's Burj Khalifa, standing at an astounding 678.9 metres. It was a proud moment for Malaysian fans, who took to social media to express their delight at seeing the Kuala Lumpur landmark on the big screen. To celebrate its Hollywood debut, Merdeka 118 even put on a dazzling light show up till May 1. The light show may now be over, but we'd still encourage you to visit the tower if you happen to be in Kuala Lumpur in the second half of the year. Here's what to know about Merdeka 118 and things to do there. What makes Merdeka 118 special? First of all, it's height. Merdeka 118 is 678.9 metres tall, making it the second-tallest structure globally and the tallest in Southeast Asia. It's a beautiful building too, with diamond-shaped glass facades meant to represent Malaysia's diverse population. Its shape, with a tall and slim spire crowning the building, is also inspired by Tunku Abdul Rahman's hand gesture as he chanted "Merdeka!" (meaning "independence" or "freedom") when Malaysia gained independence on August 31, 1957. Setting off the beauty of the building? LED light strips along the edges of the facade that illuminate the building at night. Is Merdeka 118 open to the public? The Merdeka 118 is not yet open to the public. It was inaugurated on January 10, 2024, but they're still putting the finishing touches on the hotel, retail spaces, and offices planned for the building. Can you go to the top of Merdeka 118? Soon you can! There are two observation decks planned for Merdeka 118 that are slated for completion in Q2-Q3 of 2025. One observation deck will be inside the building, while another will be located inside the spire, offering 360-degree views of Kuala Lumpur at a height of 510 metres and 568 metres, respectively. Entry to the decks will most likely be ticketed – stay tuned for prices and booking information. What are the things to do at Merdeka 118? Malaysians love their shopping malls, so you can bet there'll be one in Merdeka 118. Seven whole floors in the tower have been set aside for 118 Mall, which is expected to open in Q3 2025. And how about some sky-high luxury living? Park Hyatt hotel will open in Q2 2025, taking over the upper floors of Merdeka 118 with swanky rooms, restaurants, a pool, and spa.
Time Out
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This futuristic mega-tall skyscraper in Malaysia makes a dazzling appearance in Marvel's 'Thunderbolts' movie
The premiere of Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts on April 22 came with an extra sweet treat for Malaysian fans. The Hollywood movie featured a striking skyscraper – none other than the iconic Merdeka 118. It was showcased in serious style, too, with main actress Florence Pugh, playing Black Widow agent Yelena Belova, taking a dramatic leap off the mega-tall structure. Mind you, it's the second-tallest structure in the world after Dubai's Burj Khalifa, standing at an astounding 678.9 metres. It was a proud moment for Malaysian fans, who took to social media to express their delight at seeing the Kuala Lumpur landmark on the big screen. To celebrate its Hollywood debut, Merdeka 118 even put on a dazzling light show up till May 1. The light show may now be over, but we'd still encourage you to visit the tower if you happen to be in Kuala Lumpur in the second half of the year. Here's what to know about Merdeka 118 and things to do there. What makes Merdeka 118 special? First of all, it's height. Merdeka 118 is 678.9 metres tall, making it the second-tallest structure globally and the tallest in Southeast Asia. It's a beautiful building too, with diamond-shaped glass facades meant to represent Malaysia's diverse population. Its shape, with a tall and slim spire crowning the building, is also inspired by Tunku Abdul Rahman's hand gesture as he chanted "Merdeka!" (meaning "independence" or "freedom") when Malaysia gained independence on August 31, 1957. Setting off the beauty of the building? LED light strips along the edges of the facade that illuminate the building at night. Is Merdeka 118 open to the public? The Merdeka 118 is not yet open to the public. It was inaugurated on January 10, 2024, but they're still putting the finishing touches on the hotel, retail spaces, and offices planned for the building. Can you go to the top of Merdeka 118? Soon you can! There are two observation decks planned for Merdeka 118 that are slated for completion in Q2-Q3 of 2025. One observation deck will be inside the building, while another will be located inside the spire, offering 360-degree views of Kuala Lumpur at a height of 510 metres and 568 metres, respectively. Entry to the decks will most likely be ticketed – stay tuned for prices and booking information. What are the things to do at Merdeka 118? Malaysians love their shopping malls, so you can bet there'll be one in Merdeka 118. Seven whole floors in the tower have been set aside for 118 Mall, which is expected to open in Q3 2025. And how about some sky-high luxury living? Park Hyatt hotel will open in Q2 2025, taking over the upper floors of Merdeka 118 with swanky rooms, restaurants, a pool, and spa.
