FROM MY PERSONAL BLOGPOST : Malaysia's 100-storey Mega Tower: Warisan Merdeka

Most of you must have already be aware of the current issue going on with the proposition of the Government building a 100-storey building after the Budget for 2011 has been announced by our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

It was announced by PM Najib in the Buget 2011 speech and I quote,



In response to that, a Facebook Page was set up with the purpose of protesting and rejecting the plan to build the 100-storey skyscraper. The number of Facebook users who have joined this page currently stands at 121 191 users and counting. Many of which have typed in their opinions on the proposal. Many are unsatisfied with the project. Many are rejecting the idea.

Before I move on, I would like to make it clear that I am not against the idea nor am I for the idea. I will however state and give out my personal comments and opinions concerning this project.

First of all, in my opinion, for a person who wants to be heard of his comments and protest, one must fully understand the whole planning which is going on. In this case, one must read and understand the Budget 2011. Why do I say so? This is because you cannot start to protest and reject ideas if you do not know the full story behind it. No, I have not read the full Budget 2010, which is why I am staying neutral.

Are you sure that the Government is not making other measures to improve the rakyat's life? Is the Warisan Merdeka the only project which should be given that much attention to? You asked that the 'Mega Tower' Project to be demolished because that huge amount of money can be used for many other better reasons but are you sure that the 'many other reasons' you suggested is not already in the planning?

The next thing would be about the issue of protesting. What does protest mean? So I search in an online dictionary called the Ocford's Advance Learner's Dictionary to find the meaning.

protest (verb)
to say or do something to show that you disagree with or disapprove of something, especially publicly

So to protest is to disagree of something publicly but what is the purpose and outcome of protesting? Will protesting change already made decisions? Have protesting ever worked before? What do you get after protesting?
Yes, by protesting you do get your voice out. You'll be heard but will protesting ever change decisions which are already settled in for? I guess it all depends on different situations.

It is true that Malaysian citizens has to step up to be heard. Besides of just rejecting every single idea that comes in, why not try to give constructing criticism and building useful suggestions instead?

If the 100-storey skycraper project is to go on, which I think it will; I might have some opinions on it. If it's going to be offices all the way to the top, the working hours better not be 9 to 5 or else traffic will be a problem. Of course location location location counts as a very important factor too.

But then again, do we need a building that high? Beside from the height, what's the difference of building a 20-storey office and a 100-storey office?

RM5 billion is in fact a lot of money and I wouldn't like to see it all go to just one building. The one building may have quality in it but I rather see quantity for now. I sometimes prefer quantity to quality.

What I would like to see the RM5 billion to be used on is a project to clean up the whole of Malaysia. Why can't we use it to clean up the streets of Malaysia? I want a Singapore-like street. Budget 2012 maybe?

Besides that, I also know that the Mass Rapid Transit which is a transportation project will also be implemented the beginning of 2011. However, I do hope that the RM5 billion can be used on improving our current public transportation. The KTM, Monorail, LRT, and Rapid buses. Will maintenance be abandoned on these public transportation once the MRT is functional? Just like how the KTM is kind of being abandoned.

I once watched a program whereby it says that Japan's shuttle train is considered late if it is late by 1 minute! 1 minute is considered late? Then I wonder what is an hour considered to be?

Before I end this blog post, I've remembered something I read from the Budget 2011.



If opinions are collected from the rakyat themselves, then why are we rejecting our very own ideas?

What are your thoughts on the new Budget? Leave me your opinions in the comment section. Yes, we must be heard!

not this shit again

no im not dissing the idea. its not about the tower. its more about how malaysians think.

i thoughts this is nonsense.

too short, i want a 184 storey mega tower

secara jujurnya

selepas pembinaan menara berkembar KLCC, siap tahun 1998.. tahun lepas tu PETRONAS dapat kontrak di Iran, tahun demi tahun kontrak dari luar negara masuk.

dan pada tahun 2008, PETRONAS berjaya jadi syarikat #8 paling untung di dunia hasil strategi antarabangsanya yang amat berjaya, 80% keuntungan PETRONAS dijana dari luar negara.

aku rasa PROTON pun kena buat bangunan tinggi juga la macam ni.. haha

we should really build it. That building represents my malay pride, standing tall in the most famous city in the world.

again this is shit

Just build it and watch BN die... good chance for us to let BN tumbang!!!

so u want pm to decide based on response from fb users???

DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH!!!!

too lazy to read TS's long essay but somehow i feel "Malay sian's" thinking is similar to our relatives in the middle east

what is TS's take on this ?

PERMODALAN Nasional Bhd (PNB) has studied market trends before deciding to embark on the Warisan Merdeka development, its president and group chief executive Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman says. The 100-storey tower will be a five-star green building which is still uncommon in Kuala Lumpur.

“We believe it will be able to meet the market’s growing need for such office space,” he explained when asked about the rationale for the tower project.

At a time when the world economy is still uncertain and amid rising prices, many Malaysians have questioned the necessity for the RM2.5bil to RM3bil tower project after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced the project in his budget speech last Friday.

Responding to questions on the project recently, Najib stressed the Government did not instruct PNB to construct Warisan Merdeka and that it was the investment agency’s board of directors that had wanted to embark on the project.

He said the area would be a business centre for both the bumiputra and non-bumiputra, and could be one of the country’s attractions that will generate profit.

Developers and property consultants have urged PNB to undertake extensive and in-depth feasibility and market studies to weigh the cost-benefit and potential impact of the tower on the property market.

The public also wants an environmental impact assessment study to be done on the project to look at the impact to the social system, the traffic situation and suitability of the site.

Most of the concerns are on whether the high-impact commercial development will cause an over supply of office space in the capital city, and the impact of the skyscraper to the worsening of the heavy traffic jams in the area.

There are also a number of schools in the vicinity and the expected heavier flow of the traffic have worried students, parents and the school authorities.

Hamad says PNB is looking to have the mass rapid transit (MRT) plying the Warisan Merdeka route.

“We are aware of the public’s concerns that the traffic jam in the area will worsen with the tower project, and will be working with the relevant authorities to look at ways to improve the infrastucture and traffic flow in the area,” he adds.

Hamad also allays fears that funds from unit trust investors or the Government will be used to finance the project.

He says PNB has enough funds to finance the whole development if need be but he does not rule out borrowings if interest rates are reasonable.

On the project’s positioning, Hamad stresses that the heritage elements of Merdeka Stadium will be one of the central themes and highlights of the project.

If that is the case, industry observers have asked whether PNB will look at introducing a full-fledged culture village around the historical site that can also double up as function destinations to ensure the the project will remain functional.

To avoid the project becoming a “white elephant” like many observers fear will happen, the culture village should be kept alive with interesting cultural performances and events on a daily basis.

Perhaps, the National Museum should be moved there as its historical ambience is the most appropriate to showcase important things and events of the country’s past.

On the rationale for the 100-storey tower instead of vying to be the world’s tallest, Hamad explains: ”We are not competing with anybody in the world in terms of the height of the building. Currently, there are already three buildings being planned at 1000m heights, surpassing Burj Khalifa’s 828m. There will be no end to this sort of competition. So making it the world’s tallest is a non-issue and we would not go into this.”

Hamad stresses that the building is not being designed to outshine any particular organisation, including the Petronas Twin Towers which have been and will continue to be Malaysia’s icon.

“We want the building to look architecturally good and acceptable whilst incorporating the green features. These are market expectations in the near future. With this, we can get a reasonable return on our investment on this building.”

Besides being the country’s most famous landmark, the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers are the world’s tallest twin buildings today. Completed in 1998 at a cost of US$1.2bil, they were the tallest buildings in the world until they were “dethroned” by Taipei 101 which was completed in 2004.

The twin towers also have world renowned Argentine-American architect César Pelli, to thank for its unique and timeless design. The towers were constructed largely of reinforced concrete, with a steel and glass facade which have given them the magical and glittering effect.

On the cost difference between the two projects, Hamad says: “We are comparing relative costs, in terms of the timing of these two developments. Material prices have gone up quite a fair bit. The real yardstick is the return on investment, using current market prices and costs for the building materials and other related costs.”

sos : tanya angie@thestar.com.my



This post has been edited by hack3line: Oct 23 2010, 03:58 PM

kiamat semakin dekat.
menara semakin tinggi, miskin bertambah miskin,
kaya bertambah kaya.
pemimpin negara dah tak betul buat keputusan.

bersedia sahajalah.

2019 bankruptcy is getting a lot clearer now

100 storey for a cultural village, isn't it a bit overkill ? RM5 bil for a cultural village, too much ? common sense ?

I think they are more concerned about the specs of the building rather than the usage of the building after being built

concentrating on the spec of the building doenst seem like a very good idea to me. but thats my personal opinion. =)

warisan merdeka tak payah bina bangunan tinggi-tinggi.
merdeka mende kalau bangunan sejarah sendiri tidak terjaga.


seoul,korea selatan

kau jangan nak troll

bangunan ni arsonist bakar

kita perlu bangunan baru

Seriously im againt this.. Do u think building this shit tower will attrac foreigner to visit our msia. I mean c'mon take a very simple example of spore.. Our so-called neighbour.. Do u think spore is bigger than us? No.. they just a very tiny little small island in the map.. But what do they have? & what do they got? They got a bunch of mat salleh foreigner wondering ard of course.. & 1 thing 4 sure their currency is getting high..

What do we got? Ohh.. the very famous Petronas Twin Tower of course.. & mat salleh? Nope o i can said less.. Honestly as a malaysian i very proud of our Petronas Twin Tower but y dun we consider to take the amount to develop our country just to be like spore? Attrac more foreigner to come visit our msia.. To invest in our msia..

This post has been edited by babybb: Oct 23 2010, 04:21 PM

You all dont jealous can?

Chinese got Great Wall of China, Indians got Taj Mahal already, why cant you all just let we Malay build 1 simple building for the Malay pride?

we have Petronas TT?

retarded idea...proponent says it's a private development but then why the hell include it in the budget...cakap x serupa bikin...

another unnecessary project.
i rather govt use that money to improve public transportation,reduce poverty,build better roads in rural areas...rather than spending millions building future abandon building.
melaka is historic city,so imo it shall remain as it is.

and i thought we shall be saving the environment? plant more trees please.

1 question...
do u think those budget allocation for transportation, education etc etc etc is enough with the way the current gov manage its budget?

I'm supporting this idea....

1. it is not rakyat money... "Najib anounce it budget mau main sendiri shock... and he do say it on the budget dat the project is wholly funded by the PNB"
2. PNB will fund it by6 issuing new bonds and as well as its own money... PNB is tie to strict rule and regulation of SC and Bursa to protect the investors... PNB is a GLC company, it lend it money to company, government"have to pay wit interest" and invest in other assets.
3. the government have already allocate RM40bil into MRT system which will integrate and improve wit the old system like LRT, stars.
4. the government also allocate funds in building several more highways... and also allocate several billion into improving infrastructure in Sabah and Sarawak...

bodoh punya itu protesters, if you have tall buildings you can save more lands then. also, imagine all companies in one spot, they can easy to communicate and do business much better. even install networking also much easier.

itu protesters probably sgpura agents jeales with our development and progress one day we take over them.

i dun think is singapore agents...
it PR they just put negative thought in it "political ploy..." alot ppl being toy by them, believing them blindly
without putting any effort to find more info about the project... typical malaysian... haiz

this is not Malay's land, this is Malaysia's land and should build Malaysian's pride... I felt hurt when i see you say that to build a damn expensive building and tall building just to make malay proud of it... You seems abit racist do you think?

that is only in kuala lumpur...
how about the rest of malaysia?
don't we need public transportation?
especially railways train...

also we don't need more highway...
we need an alternative beside highway...

This post has been edited by Zarazagoza: Oct 23 2010, 05:16 PM

do u know how many money it generating....?
it would be billion of ringgit...
1. supermarket it already reach 100% tenant and it rental rate is freaking expensive...
2. tower 1 it being fully occupied by petronas and it subsidaries... tower 2 will be lease it to other company...
3. it have successfully promote malaysia name to the world...

dat already been allocate... u can go check Kampung 2005 post... alot of ETS project is been done through phased...

People only see what they want to see. No country in this world is going to develop all of its sectors at the same time and the same rate. Focusing on selected few gives higher return.

Any development is a development.

Firstly, I understand that PNB has alot of depositors money. But PNB has also earned alot of money from its investments.

In accounting, the separate legal entity doctrine rules. I'm sure PNB practices Corporate Governance and a separation of roles. Thus, a company's affairs is it's own. Despite a government establishment, but a company like PNB also has its own Board of Directors. Let the BOD decides which directions PNB would take to enhance its investments and the lucrative venture into PROPERTY.

The reason is simple. You can't get 8% return from building schools and hospitals. In fact you'll make a loss on investment if an investment company decides to go into infrastructure stuffs. People cannot blame PNB, because the meaning of business is making profits, and that is ultimately what PNB is making (or trying to make) ever since it started operations. And in business nobody DONATES RM5 billion to the public for nothing, for no reason, because that is essentially the job of the Government.

From the beginning, its VERY WRONG to announce it in the Budget. Stupid!!! In fact, the WRONG side is the PM himself.

Its WRONG that the PM himself is not focussing on more important pressing issues in the Budget. There is nothing wrong in the 100-storey if PNB does it all alone, but the government went ahead to announce someone's project in its own Budget. More like SYIOK SENDIRI since PNB's shareholder is the GOVT. We need to PRIORITISE THINGS.. oh dear!

It is giving a very wrong signal to the business community and foreign investors. The Rakyat @ Facebook vs The Govt. In the end, both parties caused more harm to the nation.

This post has been edited by accetera: Oct 23 2010, 05:31 PM

The toll rates in four highways owned by PLUS Expressway Berhad will not be raised for the next five years effective immediately.

only this i found that effect semenanjung malaysia...

last wednesday, we had a seminar on Highrise and Sustainability in UTM KL. several prominent figures in malaysia's development field were there as speakers. one of them was Arkitek Hijjas Kasturi, one of the most prominent architect in asia.

when asked about the tower, his reply was something like (i'm paraphrasing):

"it would be better to build thirty 30 storey highrises by 30 architects with 30 contractors with 30 subcontractors each. that way, we can have 30 wonders instead of 1."

btw, we have a facebook group "Architects against Menara Warisan Merdeka". it's one thing when rakyat voices their dislike over the project. but having architects saying that is really a punch in the face.

Whoa whoa slow down, this is Malay land and theres nothing you can do about it except whining. The cost to build the taj mahal and great wall of china is more like 100 billion, why cant we use 5 billion to build a tower on our OWN land? you are the racist one denying us of our rights

PNB also owned 1 of the toll company...

im currently studying in Australia,and most of my foreign friends interested to visit Malaysia just to see KLCC tower.Its a great idea make a new one,since KLCC is big success in Malaysia history.

ala,biasa la pembangkang,dulu time mahathir nak bina KLCC,Sepang track,klia,semua bising,ckp membazir duit and eveything,and now,it happen again...haha..funny malaysians..

also...
RM15.5 billion allocated to the social sector, including education and training, health, welfare, housing and community development.

meaning each sector will be allocated at max 2.6billion...
where we need to improve and revamped our education system and health...

IMO:

its good to build tower like this as in boosts our economy.
BUT the time isnt right, our social expenses and rakyat's living status hasnt improved yet.
plus, the location isnt suitable at all, it creates more traffic jam around that are, since KL already too dense, why not build at the side of KL. it also can expand developtment and growth around that certain area.
and i repeat, its good but its not the right time.

I don't really blame the opposition for this. Even if the current ruling government were to be the opposition, they would say the same thing. I only got frustrated with people who only looked at one side.

the thing is it will be completed 2015+ to 2020.
and we are not building it yet. on theory, mrt should be running at dat time.
again, the project is good for KL property values but de govt shud NOT shout loud and announce via Budget.

but typical msian govt shooooting HOT AIR all the time. Poor in implementation but no1 in TALKING BIG n SYIOK SENDIRI.
in the end, we may not build IT, and the foreigners are already laughing after the news appearing everywhere.

KLCC was sort of important & necessary.
It's sorta "advertisement" for Malaysia & at the same time functions as some companies HQ.
At least KLCC do gave some kind of economic boost around the area.

But this 100-story mega tower project is bs.Better save the money for student scholarship.

i love u bro....u are a true malay people in malaysia...?nowday as a malay guy like u at our country....seldom get it...if this sick tower been down..wat i can say is...WELCOME TO THE HELL!!!!WAHAHAHA...

can't find in fb....correct name ka bro ?

I found it "1M Malaysians Reject 100-storey Mega Tower"

too tall also no good, cacat the permandangan only.

ah...ni bodoh...mereka dah jadi beruk2 dijalanan

Serf exist to serve BN, abis citer

the longest serving PM know how to cheat our money. He knows how to safeguard his a$$ but the son of Abdul Razak is doing it too obvious. He's too desperate to get our $$$

ts trying to show his blog is more powderful than obefiend

No matter how much they allocate ... that wont bring any much effect to the current situation if the FREAKING CORRUPTION IS STILL GOING ON!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_170887326258242

This post has been edited by azarimy: Oct 24 2010, 03:07 AM

u know what i heard some people do honest comment after they saw this banner



Opposition are funny. Remember when Pak Lah said he plan to bring Disneyland in.

Those clowns said:

1- weather is hot, mickey might need an air-cond inside the costume.
2- haram for minnie to wear skirt.


..and now those clowns shouting for Disneyland.. what a fool!!

...
LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

politik banyak sangat dah macam sarkas dah aku tengok.

I just read a ridiculous blog post about the 100 storey development.

You all should read the comments, this guy really have the guts to talk.

http://eforericyong.blogspot.com/2010/10/c...eka-100_20.html

I support your comments here. I have also wrote in bahasa melayu about this same thing (kenapa tak announce menara time lain macam time PNB AGM atau ASB dividen results etc.).

But unfortunately sometimes good intentions are misinterpreted as being "pengkhianat", "pembangkang" and "tak suka pembangunan".

That is Malaysia for you.

100 storey mana cukup...we should just buat space station in angkasa.
The we can laugh at the rest of the world. Even USA and Russia share the ISS. We build our own one la ..just to piss off the Rednecks..

Wow, this true? I am not on FB because of personal reasons...

But Hijjaz Kasturi? man he is like legend.

inb4 who is hijjas kasturi...

rich people get richer because they use their money for investment to make more money

poor people get poorer because they use their money to buy house and car that does give them money in return

+1

biasa la katak bawah tempurung typical malaysian that never went oversea they dont know shet whats in the outside world

keep say they are being oppressed in malaysia because of racism from M and G lah

wait until they go oversea and see what is real racist , i got a chinese friend who used to think like them not until he went to study in UK then he know what is real racist when a guai lo spit at u on the street for no reason , guai lo ignored u when u want to pay at their shop

then still say malay in msia is racist? padahal ownself racist thats why feel yang bukan bukan

Guai Lou do not wave sharp pointy objects at a ruling political party forum and threaten minority races.

Gua lou in authorative positions such as school principals and govt officers do not holler at minority races for being pendatang and yelling at them to return to their "home countries" yet get away scot free.

Trying to absolve you ketuanan bozos from racism? Try harder with whatever little brain matter between your ears.

And the question I have for you is "Do you really understand the implications of what the new budget is all about ?"

It is easy for a statement to be made but the truth behind that statement is a whole different matter. Anyone can say anything they wish, but whether it's true or not is a different matter.

How will this Tower and all the other mega projects benefit Malaysia ? A lot of people are saying it's of no benefit but then this isn't entirely true. It will benefit us but only in a 'bread crumbs' sort of way. Yes, jobs will be created, and yes there will be opportunities. But who will really reap the opportunities ? I guarantee you it won't be the common joe like us. It will be the Elitist driving their million dollar 4x4 with their sons living in high end condo in Knightsbridge London.

Get this through your head, the entire budget is not for the benefit of the Rakyat ! It's for the benefit of only a few select people in the Rakyat.

I didn't read the other posts on the Budget but :

1. They are only EXTENDING the no tax on hybrid cars. That means the no tax already there before. So if already there then why so expensive.

2. No tax on handphone - read carefully, cos everyone thought the Iphone and BB all suddenly very cheap but there was already no tax on smartphone like Iphone and BB. This is just like ugly woman with big bust wear low cut dress to distract you so you don't notice how ugly.

3. The Govt will allocate RM146 mil to support the oil, gas and energy industry; Hello - I thought companies like Petrona$$ was supporting the country ?

4. The Govt will also strengthen the curriculum and appoint 800 pre-school graduate teachers - for the whole of Malaysia ??? Hello ! Kami bukan singapura lah.

It's all bs. Just go to foreign embassy and just start filling out immigration forms....I know I have.

3. The Govt will allocate RM146 mil to support the oil, gas and energy industry; Hello - I thought companies like Petrona$$ was supporting the country ?

the oil and gas industry do not just comprise of petronas and shell only but actually a lot of other manufacturers, suppliers, vendors..
companies such as foxboro which supply scada control system to the ong industry, companies like uniscada who supply RTU, scada control system software to the system integrator company to be used in ong field.. i cannot believe that your field of view is so narrow

anyway goodriddance to you

It's not narrow since I used to work in O&G industry. I know about the companies involved in it. My point was that the the players you mention are not the oil majors. Companies such as Petronas, Shell, Exxon, BP etc are the big players. So why are we supposedly supporting them.

Truthfully I am very happy to leave if this country if it is going to be populated by idiots who are unwilling to even consider a discussion or debate. Much like the Americans at the start of the Irag mess and look where they are now.

Yes yes, no need to say anything more ben_panced, all your arguments I have heard before from the Americans when they tried to justify their stupidity. Besides, wtf do I care, the moment the papers come through I'm outta here.

Better to be an immigrant in a country where I have a chance to advance via meritocracy than a slave in one where I have no chance.

Who ever SUPPORT this project for the benefit of our country, please share your view and opinions in facebook page; 1,000,000 Malaysians support 100-storey Warisan Merdeka Tower


http://www.facebook.com/pages/1000000-Malaysians-support-100-storey-Warisan-Merdeka-Tower/160948823936056



As we all know, many people rejects the idea of 100-storey Warisan Merdeka Tower. But some of us wants this idea to be a reality. This page is for them who support the construction of '100-storey Warisan Merdeka Tower' to share their point-of-view.

Do write a comment on the page why you support the construction of this tower so that we can share idea with others and consider together the advantages of building this tower.

Together We Grow For A Developed And Harmony Nation!

From Skyscrapercity