KUALA LUMPUR: Merdeka 118, currently the world's second tallest tower at 678.9-metres, could lose that title soon.
That spot could be taken over by the Burj Azizi, set to be the latest addition to Dubai's skyline once it is completed in 2028.
Dubai-based developer, Azizi Developments, said it has begun the construction of the tower block, which it claimed would be the second tallest in the world if approved, reported UAE news website The National.
The National, in its report, said the developer had declined to say how tall the Burj Azizi will be as the structure's proposed height is awaiting final approval from authorities.
The US$1.5 billion tower, which will be on the Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, will reportedly feature luxury apartments and penthouses, a mall spread over several floors, a seven-star hotel, high-end F&B outlets and an observation deck.
Dubai already houses the world's tallest structure, the Burj Khalifa, standing at a height of 829.8-metres.
Merdeka 118, owned by Permodalan Nasional Bhd through its wholly-owned subsidiary, PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, is currently the second tallest tower in the world after the Burj Khalifa.
The tower, officially launched on Jan 10 this year, is adjacent to the iconic Stadium Merdeka, which is currently undergoing redevelopment.
Merdeka 118 will house Southeast Asia's highest observation deck, 118 Mall, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Masjid Merdeka, a PNB childcare centre (Little M) catering to children aged 2 months to 6 years old, and premium residences.
Malaysia has its fair share of some of the tallest structures in the world. From 1998 to 2004, the Petronas Twin Towers, at 451.9-metres, were the world's tallest buildings in the world until they were surpassed by the completion of the Taipei 101.
The Petronas Twin Towers remain the world's tallest twin skyscrapers.
KL is also home to The Exchange 106, formerly known as the TRX Signature Tower. At 453.6-meters-tall, it is currently the second-tallest building in Malaysia and the third-tallest building in Southeast Asia.