KUALA LUMPUR — The capital’s retail scene welcomed a new addition today with the opening of 118 Mall, a seven-storey shopping destination at the foot of Menara 118, the world’s second-tallest skyscraper.

Today’s opening adds another dimension to the Merdeka 118 precinct, which is being developed into a destination combining retail, hospitality and commercial offerings in the heart of KL.

The mall was scheduled to open its doors to the public at 11.18 am, in a symbolic nod to Menara 118, but eager visitors were allowed in earlier ahead of the official opening ceremony at around 10.30am.

Excitement was evident among early visitors, including administrative executive Lim Jit Hong, who queued before the mall opened to be among the first to explore its shops and attractions.

The 56-year-old from Cheras said he arrived via public transport around 9am, two hours before the mall’s slated opening, hoping to take advantage of promotional offers by various tenants marking its launch.

“I’m here for the free chicken! Nando’s is offering a free quarter chicken to the first 118 customers, and I also wanted to take advantage of Boost Juice’s opening promotions,” he told Malay Mail, gesturing towards the promotions listed on his mobile phone.

When asked if he was also interested in other tenants, Lim said he will be exploring the mall to its fullest once he has achieved his ‘mission’.

For civil servant Maizatul Akma, the opening of 118 Mall is a welcome addition to her weekend routine, which includes jogging at the nearby Stadium Merdeka, giving her another place to explore after her workout.