KUCHING: The state government is currently scouting for locations to resettle selected Malay communities in Bintulu and Sibu.
However, Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg did not disclose further details on concerns that the price of land for potential sites may soar, and increase construction costs, according to The Borneo Post.
He made these remarks at Masjid Darul Hana in Petra Jaya here yesterday after distributing sacrificial meat in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha.
Earlier, Abang Johari said the state government wanted to develop Darul Hana as a modern Malay settlement and would construct affordable housing under the Darul Hana Development Project which would modernise the lifestyles of several Malay kampung in Kampung Seberang Hilir.
If successful, the project would be extended to Sibu and Bintulu.
He gave his assurance that the project would be implemented in such a way as to not saddle residents with heavy debts. He also said that the first phase of the Darul Hana housing project will kick off soon and is expected to take two years to complete.
The Chief Minister also suggested that a trust board be established for the Darul Hana Development Project to manage the various properties of the Malay community.
Meanwhile, Assistant Minister of Rural Electricity Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi who was also present at the function said the Darul Hana project involved 12 villages, affecting 2,600 households and 4,000 extended families. It will include Seberang Hilir, Boyan and Bintawa Hilir.
The first phase will involve 504 families from Kampung Semarang, Kampung Pulo and Kampung Panglima Seman Lama.
