So, you’ve probably seen those viral photos of giant yellow letters going up near the top of Malaysia’s tallest building, Merdeka 118.
The world's second-tallest building is in the spotlight again and this time it’s not for its height.
Recent photos showing a Maybank sign being installed near the top of the 678.9-metre tower have sent social media into a frenzy.
Some are calling it a cool upgrade, while others say it’s messing with the identity of a national landmark.
Merdeka 118 isn’t just a tourist magnet; it’s also about to become home to over 5,000 Maybank employees.
The bank is renting 33 floors under a tenancy that can stretch up to 21 years.
As the anchor tenant, Maybank scored signage and naming rights for the building, which explains why its massive logo is climbing its way up the building.
When videos and photos of workers installing the yellow Maybank lettering went viral, people worried that the tower’s meaning, tied to Malaysia’s independence (Merdeka), would get buried under corporate branding.
On X, user @danialwrx argued that if Merdeka 118 were just another office block, it wouldn’t matter, but because it’s symbolic of the nation's independence, placing a huge bank name on it feels off.
"If it were just another generic building, sure. But it is symbolic of our independence, even named Merdeka 118," he wrote.
Another user on Threads, @Darizahhh_48, warned that over time, people could end up thinking of it as the Maybank Tower, which could blur its identity as a monument to Malaysia’s history.
"There is concern that the public or visitors will call Merdeka 118 as 'Menara Maybank' because the name and logo are too dominant, so the name 'Merdeka 118' may not be easily remembered if a large Maybank logo is placed at the top," he said.
Not Everyone Hates It
Some netizens are vibing with the look. A few are just hoping for better design choices. Harpreet Singh said the sign could’ve been sleeker.
“Could’ve made it classier looking though. Perhaps in silver or black so it blends with the building, lit up the edges so it’s visible at night," she said.
Meanwhile, @mirzaLtd argued that the problem isn’t about having a Maybank sign at all, but how it’s being done.
She noted that the design of the signage clashes with the tower’s look, which already divides opinion.
“At least do it aesthetically pleasing. People aren’t mad because they put up the signage but because it kills the aesthetic design of the building, which already has divided opinions per se," the user said.
Fake News Alert: The Letters Are Not Coming Down
Recently, edited photos made it look like the sign was finished and already being removed. Maybank quickly shut down the rumours.
"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 bank told the New Straits Times.
For now, Merdeka 118’s official name isn’t changing. While Maybank has the right to put its name up there, critics say the placement could overshadow the tower’s historical meaning.