MALAYAN Banking Bhd (Maybank) has denied claims that its signage is being removed from Merdeka 118, the tallest building in Malaysia, following backlash over what some have described as the "commercialisation" of a national landmark.
A spokesman for the bank told the New Straits Times that viral photos purporting to show the removal of the sign were fabricated.
"So far, only the 'MAY' portion of the signage has been installed, and there is still a long way to go before the 'BANK' portion is added," the spokesman said.
Social media users have been divided over the installation of the signage, with critics arguing it compromises the symbolic value of Merdeka 118, a 678.9-metre-tall tower named in reference to Malaysia’s independence.
"If it were just another generic building, sure. But it is symbolic of our independence, even named Merdeka 118," wrote user @danialwrx on X.
Another user, @mohammadazrin\_typewritter on Threads, voiced concerns that the building’s identity may be lost to corporate branding. "Over time, people might end up thinking the Maybank Tower is Merdeka 118 instead. What happens when the tower loses its identity?"
Similarly, @zaidzaideljamil on X remarked, "The name Merdeka 118 embodies a shared national identity, and affixing a corporate logo risks eroding its symbolic value."
Not all responses have been critical. On Threads, @fadilah.laaa suggested a more subdued branding approach: "Instead of a full signage at the top, maybe just the Maybank logo would look more aesthetically pleasing."
Others dismissed the controversy entirely, arguing that the presence of corporate signage would not diminish the significance or purpose of the landmark.
It was previously reported that Maybank would relocate its headquarters from Menara Maybank on Jalan Tun Perak to Merdeka 118 under a tenancy agreement of up to 21 years.
As the anchor tenant, Maybank was granted naming and signage rights to the tower, and is set to occupy 33 floors of the building, accommodating approximately 5,900 employees.
The New Straits Times has reached out to both Maybank and Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), the building’s owner, for further comment. - September 21, 2025
