MAPEI for Dataran Ibu Pertiwi
Standing proudly across the Kuching Waterfront, just beside the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Building (DUN), Dataran Ibu Pertiwi is more than a public square — it is a symbol of national pride. At its heart rises the 99-metre-tall flagpole known as “Ibu Pertiwi” (Motherland), carrying the Malaysian flag high above the city. Recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records as the tallest flagpole in Malaysia and Southeast Asia until March 2026, the landmark was designed by Landscape Design Associates as part of the project team.
Surrounding the base of the towering flagpole are stone and ceramic pathways that invite visitors to walk, gather, and reflect. To ensure these paths would stand the test of time under constant exposure to weather and foot traffic, the landscape architects turned to a reliable system proposed by MAPEI Malaysia.
The process began beneath the surface, with careful waterproofing of the concrete substrates using Mapelastic Zero, reinforced with their very own alkali-resistant fibreglass mesh, Mapenet 150. This waterproofing layer plays a vital role in preventing water from the ground and the screeds rising up to the pavement surfaces and controlling moisture movement from the slab, helping to prevent efflorescence and preserve the appearance of the finished surfaces.
Once protected, the stone and ceramic coverings were securely installed using Keraflex Maxi S1 Zero. Keraflex Maxi S1 Zero is a high-performance, deformable cementitious grey adhesive with extended open time and no vertical slip, classified as C2TES1 according to ISO 13007-1. Its superior deformability and durability make it well-suited for external applications exposed to varying temperatures and environmental conditions. In addition, it is capable of accommodating the anticipated pedestrian traffic loads associated with this iconic landmark, which is expected to attract significant tourist and visitor footfall.
To complete the system, Ultracolor Plus Zero, class CG2FWA — an anti-efflorescence tile grout made up of a blend of special hydraulic binders, graded aggregates, special polymers, water repellent admixtures, organic molecules and pigments. This was applied to grout joints on vertical surfaces — delivering durability, consistency, and a clean, refined finish.
Keraflex Maxi S1 Zero and Ultracolor Plus Zero are part of products for sustainability under the ZERO line with CO₂ Fully Offset in the Entire Life Cycle line of products. The CO₂ emissions measured throughout the life cycle of products from the ZERO line using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, verified with EPDs, have been offset through the acquisition of certified carbon credits in support of forestry protection projects. Together, these solutions form an integrated system that supports both the beauty and longevity of Dataran Ibu Pertiwi — a public space built not just to be seen, but to be experienced.
-
Mapelastic Zero
Surface Preparation: Clean the substrate thoroughly and remove all dust, grease, paint, laitance, and loose materials.
Environmental Conditions: Recommended application temperature is between +8°C and +35°C. Protect newly applied surfaces from rain or water exposure for the first 24 hours.
Common Applications: Use for waterproofing bathrooms, showers, balconies, terraces, swimming pools, tanks, basins, and marine structures.
Keraflex Maxi S1 Zero
Surface Preparation: The substrate must be properly cured, dry, strong, and free from dust, grease, oil, wax, or loose materials before applying.
Environmental Conditions: Recommended application between +5°C and +35°C, while avoiding excessive heat, wind, direct sunlight, and wet conditions.
Common Applications: Suitable for bonding ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, klinker, terracotta, mosaic, and stable natural stone (Ideal for large-format tiles up to 15 mm thick).
Ultracolor Plus
Surface Preparation: Joints must be clean, dust-free, and empty to at least two-thirds of the tile thickness.
Environmental Conditions: Recommended application between +5°C and +35°C, while avoiding excessive heat, wind, direct sunlight, and wet conditions.
Common Applications: Suitable for internal and external grouting of ceramic tiles, porcelain, terracotta, natural stone, marble, granite, and mosaic surfaces.
-
Mapelastic Zero
Perfect adhesion to substrates
Complete waterproofing system
Remains flexible at low temperatures
Easy to prepare and apply
Waterproofing with just 2 mm thickness
Resistant to UV rays
Suitable for new or existing substrates
EC1 Plus-certified by the GEV Institute. Very low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Keraflex Maxi S1 Zero
Can be applied at high thicknesses (up to 15 mm)
No sinking of heavy and large tiles into the adhesive on floors
No vertical slip of heavy and large tiles on the walls
Low Dust technology – low dust emission during mixing
Excellent workability & wetting of the tile back
Deformable
Highly thixotropic
Extended open time
Very low emission of VOC
CO2 fully offset product
Ultracolor Plus
Mould-resistant (BioBlock® Technology)
Grouted areas are quickly ready for use
Water-repellent and easy to clean (DropEffect® technology)
Anti-efflorescence for uniform colour
Wide range of colours
Certified for use in the marine industry
Very low emission of VOC
Residual Greenhouse Gas emissions fully offset through the acquisition of certified environmental credits
-
Denio Kok Ee Hui
Area Manager - Sarawak, Sabah & Brunei
M (6012) 808 1605
E denio.kok@mapei.com.my
PRODUCT GALLERY
Share this product
