A major new shopping destination is coming to the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
118 Mall, located at the base of the iconic Merdeka 118, is scheduled to open in November 2026, bringing more than 300 shops, restaurants and lifestyle concepts to one of Kuala Lumpur’s most historically significant districts.
But this isn’t simply another large shopping mall.
118 Mall forms part of the wider Merdeka 118 precinct, where one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers rises beside Stadium Merdeka, Stadium Negara, historic neighbourhoods and the streets leading towards Petaling Street.
Inside, visitors can expect everything from international fashion and lifestyle brands to a dedicated Malaysian Artisan District, the enormous Makanizm Food Hall, an 88-metre glass dome and an unusual multi-storey installation known as the Raincloud.
With more than 200 retailers already participating in preparations for the opening, 118 Mall is shaping up to become one of Kuala Lumpur’s most significant new shopping destinations.
Here’s everything we know about 118 Mall, including when it opens, confirmed shops and restaurants, what to expect, how to get there and attractions you can combine with your visit.
What is 118 Mall?
118 Mall is the major retail component of the Merdeka 118 precinct, developed by PNB Merdeka Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad.
The mall sits directly beneath and connects with Merdeka 118, Malaysia’s tallest skyscraper and one of Kuala Lumpur’s most recognisable new landmarks.
Rather than functioning solely as a conventional shopping centre, 118 Mall has been designed around retail, food, culture and Malaysian identity.
Visitors can expect more than 300 retail outlets spanning fashion, lifestyle, food, entertainment and services.
The development also incorporates several signature spaces designed specifically for the mall, including:
- The Atmosphere
- Malaysian Artisan District
- Makanizm Food Hall
- Raincloud
- Eat Street
- A huge glass dome
- Event and exhibition spaces
Combined with the surrounding Merdeka 118 attractions, the mall is intended to become part of a much larger city-centre destination.
When Will 118 Mall Open?
118 Mall is currently scheduled to open in November 2026.
Earlier announcements had targeted an August 2026 opening. However, the latest update from PNB Merdeka Ventures in August confirmed that preparations are now underway for a November launch.
More than 200 retail partners participated in the mall’s inaugural Retailers’ Get-Together in August as tenants prepared for the opening.
As with other major new malls, individual stores and restaurants may begin operations progressively rather than every tenant necessarily opening simultaneously.
We’ll continue updating this guide as the official opening approaches.
Where is 118 Mall?
118 Mall is located along Jalan Hang Jebat, at the base of Merdeka 118 in central Kuala Lumpur.
The location is particularly interesting because it sits between Kuala Lumpur’s modern city centre and several of its most historically important neighbourhoods.
Within the immediate surroundings you’ll find Stadium Merdeka, Stadium Negara, Chinatown and Petaling Street.
The mall is also conveniently connected to Merdeka MRT Station, making it easy to reach without driving.
What Makes 118 Mall Different?
Kuala Lumpur certainly doesn’t lack shopping malls.
From Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Suria KLCC to newer destinations such as The Exchange TRX and Ombak KLCC, visitors already have an enormous selection of places to shop.
118 Mall therefore needs its own identity.
Its strongest differentiator appears to be its emphasis on Malaysian culture, heritage and local brands, combined with contemporary international retail.
This is particularly appropriate given its location.
Merdeka 118 rises beside Stadium Merdeka, where the independence of the Federation of Malaya was proclaimed on 31 August 1957. Petaling Street and Kuala Lumpur’s historic Chinatown are also just a short walk away.
Rather than ignoring this context, the mall incorporates Malaysian identity directly into its retail and dining experience.
Malaysian Artisan District
One of the features we’re most interested to explore is the Malaysian Artisan District on Level 3.
Spanning approximately 80,000 square feet, the district is dedicated to Malaysian brands, food, crafts and cultural products.
Instead of relegating local businesses to temporary pop-up stalls, the concept creates a substantial permanent area specifically for Malaysian creators and brands.
Announced names associated with the district include:
- Batik Boutique
- Bayu Somerset
- Banglo 289
- Cookiecrumbs
Visitors can expect a mixture of Malaysian fashion, crafts, artisanal products and food.
For international travellers, this could become one of the most interesting parts of 118 Mall—particularly for those looking for Malaysian-made products rather than the international brands available in malls around the world.
Makanizm Food Hall
Food will play a major role at 118 Mall.
At the heart of the Malaysian Artisan District will be Makanizm Food Hall, an approximately 40,000-square-foot food destination celebrating Malaysia’s diverse culinary culture.
Rather than functioning simply as a conventional mall food court, Makanizm is being positioned as a culinary showcase.
That could make it particularly interesting for visitors who want to sample different Malaysian flavours within one location.
As more stalls and food concepts are confirmed, we’ll update this guide with what you can expect to eat at Makanizm.
The Atmosphere & 88-Metre Glass Dome
One of 118 Mall’s most striking architectural features will be The Atmosphere on Level 4.
The approximately 20,000-square-foot event piazza sits beneath an enormous 88-metre glass dome.
During the day, the dome allows natural light into the mall. At night, lighting and large LED screens will transform the space into an event environment.
The Atmosphere is intended to host:
- Exhibitions
- Fashion events
- Performances
- Brand activations
- Public events
- Seasonal celebrations
Rather than merely functioning as an atrium, it is designed to become one of the mall’s main gathering spaces.
The Raincloud
Another unusual feature at 118 Mall is Raincloud, a multi-storey water installation.
The installation combines water with an interactive digital screen capable of displaying customised messages.
Features such as Raincloud and The Atmosphere suggest that 118 Mall is being designed with experiential spaces in mind—not simply rows of retail stores.
They may also become some of the mall’s most photographed locations once it opens.
Eat Street
118 Mall will also feature an area known as Eat Street, bringing together local and international restaurants in a more open dining environment.
The concept is intended for all-day dining while extending into the evening as a social and dining destination.
Together with Makanizm Food Hall and the mall’s standalone restaurants, this gives 118 Mall several distinct F&B zones rather than concentrating food into a single floor.
Shops at 118 Mall
More than 70% of the mall’s retail space had already been committed by May 2026, and more than 200 retail partners participated in preparations for the opening by August.
Confirmed and announced retailers include a mixture of international and Malaysian brands.
Fashion & Sports
Among the brands announced for 118 Mall are:
- Adidas
- Converse
- Foot Locker
- Guess
- Lacoste
- Aldo
- Benjamin Barker
Sports retailer Decathlon is also preparing a major approximately 22,000-square-foot flagship outlet at 118 Mall.
The combination should make the mall particularly strong for sportswear, sneakers and contemporary fashion.
Lifestyle, Family & Electronics
118 Mall isn’t being positioned exclusively towards fashion.
Lifestyle and family-oriented tenants announced for the development include:
- BookXcess
- Best Denki
- Happikiddo
- Babyshop
A Village Grocer supermarket will also serve as one of the mall’s anchors.
This wider mix should help 118 Mall function as an everyday shopping destination for residents and office workers around the Merdeka 118 precinct, rather than depending entirely on tourists.
SOGO118
One of the most interesting retail concepts planned for the mall is SOGO118.
Rather than simply recreating the traditional department-store format, SOGO118 is expected to represent a refreshed interpretation of the SOGO brand.
The concept is set to include beauty and wellness brands from Korea, Japan and China alongside a new-to-market matcha bar.
For shoppers familiar with the established SOGO Kuala Lumpur on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, SOGO118 should offer an interesting glimpse at how the department-store concept is evolving for a new generation.
Restaurants & Cafés at 118 Mall
118 Mall is already building a substantial F&B line-up.
Announced names include:
- Kenny Hills Bakers
- Oriental Kopi
- Serai Premium
- Dolly Dim Sum
- Cili Kampung
- Nara Thai
- Honolu Ramen
- ZUS Coffee
- Eight Ounce Coffee
- CHAGEE Signature
And this represents only part of the eventual food offering.
Between standalone restaurants, cafés, Eat Street and Makanizm Food Hall, 118 Mall could develop into another significant dining destination in central Kuala Lumpur.
Once the mall opens and the complete F&B directory becomes clearer, we’ll be putting together a dedicated guide to what to eat at 118 Mall.
Merdeka 118 Precinct
One reason 118 Mall could become particularly significant is that it doesn’t exist in isolation.
The mall forms part of the much larger Merdeka 118 precinct, which combines commercial, hospitality, residential, cultural, religious and public spaces.
The precinct includes or is planned to include:
- Merdeka 118 tower
- 118 Mall
- Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
- Stadium Merdeka
- Stadium Negara
- Merdeka Boulevard at 118
- Masjid Al-Sultan Abdullah
- Merdeka Textile Museum
- Residential towers
- Public spaces
This makes 118 Mall comparable in some respects to The Exchange TRX, where the shopping centre is one component of a much larger urban development.
Merdeka Boulevard at 118
Another important part of the precinct is Merdeka Boulevard at 118, a four-acre linear park.
The landscaped green space provides a pedestrian connection through the precinct while adding much-needed greenery to this densely developed part of Kuala Lumpur.
Its presence means a visit to 118 Mall doesn’t necessarily have to revolve entirely around indoor shopping.
Visitors can combine the mall with the surrounding park, heritage sites and nearby Chinatown neighbourhood.
How to Get to 118 Mall
118 Mall has excellent public transport connections, and for many visitors taking the MRT will probably be the easiest option.
By MRT
Take the Kajang Line to Merdeka MRT Station.
The station will connect directly to the Lower Ground Floor of 118 Mall via an express escalator.
This direct connection should make 118 Mall one of Kuala Lumpur’s easiest major shopping centres to reach by rail.
Read our Kuala Lumpur MRT guide if you’re unfamiliar with travelling around the city by MRT.
By LRT
You can also use Plaza Rakyat LRT Station, served by the Ampang and Sri Petaling Lines.
Plaza Rakyat is connected to Merdeka MRT Station, allowing passengers to transfer between the networks.
Our complete Kuala Lumpur public transport guide explains how the MRT, LRT, Monorail and other services fit together.
By Monorail
Maharajalela Monorail Station is approximately a three-minute walk from 118 Mall via the surrounding precinct.
By Car
Drivers can access the Merdeka 118 precinct from the surrounding road network.
The new Belfield Tunnel provides direct access towards Merdeka 118 from Jalan Damansara and Jalan Syed Putra via the Federal Highway.
Valet and e-hailing drop-off facilities will also be available at the Jalan Hang Jebat entrance.
Nearby Attractions to Combine with 118 Mall
One of 118 Mall’s greatest advantages is its location.
Unlike many suburban shopping centres, you can combine a visit with several of Kuala Lumpur’s most important historical and cultural attractions.
Merdeka 118
You can’t really visit 118 Mall without noticing the enormous Merdeka 118 rising directly above it.
At 678.9 metres tall, the skyscraper dominates Kuala Lumpur’s skyline and is the tallest building in Malaysia.
The wider tower development includes offices, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur and observation experiences, making it a destination in its own right.
Stadium Merdeka
Just beside the precinct is Stadium Merdeka, one of Malaysia’s most historically important landmarks.
This was where Tunku Abdul Rahman proclaimed the independence of the Federation of Malaya on 31 August 1957.
The restored stadium has also hosted major sporting events, concerts and significant moments in Malaysian history.
Stadium Negara
Neighbouring Stadium Negara is another major heritage landmark.
Opened in 1962, the indoor arena was among the most ambitious sporting venues constructed during the early years following independence.
Together, Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara give the area around 118 Mall a historical context few other Kuala Lumpur shopping districts can match.
Petaling Street
Walk north from the Merdeka 118 precinct and you’ll soon reach Petaling Street, the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.
Spend some time exploring its traditional businesses, restaurants, temples, cafés and restored shophouses before or after visiting the mall.
Our complete Petaling Street guide covers what to see, where to eat and the history behind one of Kuala Lumpur’s best-known neighbourhoods.
Kwai Chai Hong
Hidden behind the shophouses of Chinatown, Kwai Chai Hong has transformed a historic alleyway into a colourful heritage attraction featuring murals and restored architecture.
It can easily be included in a walking itinerary connecting Chinatown with Merdeka 118.
Central Market
Continue through Chinatown and you’ll eventually reach Central Market, another of Kuala Lumpur’s major heritage shopping destinations.
The contrast is particularly interesting: visit a historic market specialising in Malaysian crafts before heading to the brand-new Malaysian Artisan District inside 118 Mall.
118 Mall vs The Exchange TRX
The arrival of 118 Mall will inevitably invite comparisons with The Exchange TRX, another major new-generation Kuala Lumpur shopping destination.
But the two have distinctly different identities.
The Exchange TRX places significant emphasis on international luxury retail, contemporary lifestyle experiences and TRX City Park.
118 Mall appears more strongly rooted in Malaysian identity and its historic surroundings, particularly through the Malaysian Artisan District, Makanizm Food Hall and its relationship with Stadium Merdeka.
For visitors, there’s little reason to choose only one.
Both demonstrate how Kuala Lumpur’s newest malls are evolving beyond conventional shopping centres into larger urban destinations.
118 Mall vs Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur remains one of Malaysia’s premier shopping destinations, particularly for luxury and international fashion.
118 Mall is entering the market with a somewhat different proposition.
Its connection to Merdeka 118, Malaysian Artisan District, local food concepts and historic surroundings gives it a stronger cultural dimension.
Pavilion remains an essential part of the Bukit Bintang experience, while 118 Mall could become an anchor connecting modern retail with Kuala Lumpur’s historic core.
Frequently Asked Questions About 118 Mall
When will 118 Mall open?
118 Mall is currently scheduled to open in November 2026. An earlier August opening was postponed as preparations and tenant fit-outs continued.
Where is 118 Mall?
118 Mall is located along Jalan Hang Jebat at the base of Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur.
Is 118 Mall connected to Merdeka 118?
Yes. 118 Mall forms part of the wider Merdeka 118 precinct and connects directly with the Merdeka 118 tower.
How many shops will 118 Mall have?
The seven-storey mall is expected to feature more than 300 retail outlets covering fashion, lifestyle, dining, services and entertainment.
Which MRT station is closest to 118 Mall?
Merdeka MRT Station on the Kajang Line provides direct access to 118 Mall’s Lower Ground Floor.
What restaurants will be at 118 Mall?
Announced F&B tenants include Oriental Kopi, Kenny Hills Bakers, Nara Thai, Serai Premium, Dolly Dim Sum, Cili Kampung, Honolu Ramen, ZUS Coffee and Eight Ounce Coffee, with many more expected.
What is Makanizm Food Hall?
Makanizm is a 40,000-square-foot food hall within the Malaysian Artisan District on Level 3. It is intended to showcase Malaysia’s diverse food culture.
Is there a supermarket at 118 Mall?
Yes. Village Grocer has been announced as one of 118 Mall’s anchor tenants.
Is 118 Mall near Petaling Street?
Yes. 118 Mall is within walking distance of Chinatown and Petaling Street, making it possible to combine both destinations in the same itinerary.
118 Mall isn’t simply another addition to Kuala Lumpur’s already extensive collection of shopping centres.
Its location makes the difference.
Few places illustrate Kuala Lumpur’s transformation as dramatically as the area surrounding Merdeka 118. A futuristic skyscraper now rises beside the stadium where Malaya’s independence was proclaimed in 1957, while the streets of Chinatown and Petaling Street continue telling stories from an even earlier Kuala Lumpur.
118 Mall sits directly in the middle of these layers.
Its combination of more than 300 shops, Malaysian Artisan District, Makanizm Food Hall, restaurants, international retailers and ambitious architectural spaces should make it an attraction in its own right. But its connection with Merdeka 118, Stadium Merdeka and the surrounding historic neighbourhood could ultimately be what distinguishes it from Kuala Lumpur’s other major malls.
With the opening currently scheduled for November 2026, we’ll continue updating this guide as more shops, restaurants, attractions and opening details are confirmed.
