Villages to see more transformation projects

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Taib points at the Darul Hana Kuching Master Plan model. From front right are Abang Johari, Adenan and Dr Abdul Rahman.

Taib points at the Darul Hana Kuching Master Plan model. From front right are Abang Johari, Adenan and Dr Abdul Rahman.

KUCHING: The state government will launch more village transformation projects across the state to improve the standard of living of villagers.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said this involved providing better facilities and a more comfortable environment for living.

“Not only will the standard of living among the people be upgraded but the image of their villages will also be enhanced to help boost tourism,” he said yesterday before Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud launched Masjid Darul Hana, the inaugural phase of the Darul Hana Development Project.

Adenan said the entire project covered 722 acres comprising 12 villages from Kampung Boyan to Kampung Bintawa Hilir.

He said Darul Hana would be exemplary for other village transformation projects in the state.

“The state government of Sarawak will carry out more projects like this, not just in Darul Hana but also villages in Sibu, Miri and Bintulu.

“This is so that our villagers would not have to live in a narrow environment. We want a change for them, allowing them to have a merrier, healthier and more comfortable life,” he said.

On the RM28-million mosque, Adenan said it could hold a 3,000-strong congregation.

Meanwhile, Taib said the mosque reflected the Barisan Nasional’s (BN) policy of always putting the well-being of the community first.

He called for cooperation from the people to ensure that the entire Darul Hana development project would be implemented smoothly.

Taib said a transformation project like Darul Hana would modernise the way of life among villagers.

“This mosque represents a milestone of what we can do more for other villages, which is to upgrade their standard of living,” he said, adding that the mosque could also serve as a platform for locals to gather for discussions.

Among those present were Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg, Assistant Minister of Youth Development Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and BN candidate for Pantai Damai Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.