KUCHING: The Sarawak government is currently developing the second phase of the Darul Hana housing project for resettling families from villages in Seberang Hilir, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

       He said phase two is expected to be completed by 2026.

       "Phase two will involve relocating about 200 families from Kampung Pulo Ulu.

       "We are also developing the Sungai Bedaun housing project to relocate extended families from Seberang Hilir," he told reporters after attending the Darul Hana breaking of fast event here on Wednesday (March 20) night.

       Abang Johari also said the state government wILL identify another area to further develop Darul Hana, which will be close to the existing villages.

       Darul Hana is an urban renewal project by the state government to resettle 12 Malay villages along the Sarawak River into a modern housing area combining traditional values with a smart township concept.

       Last November, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan told the Sarawak Legislative Assembly that phase one of the Darul Hana project involved relocating 318 families from Kampung Semarang and Kampung Panglima Seman Lama.

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       He said 258 families had moved to Darul Hana as of Oct 31, 2023 while the rest were expected to relocate in the first quarter of this year.

       Earlier, Abang Johari and his wife Puan Sri Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang presented Raya contributions totalling RM19,500 to 130 asnaf and orphans from villages in the Darul Hana project area during the iftar.

       The event is an annual programme organised by the Sarawak Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) with Darul Hana project residents as part of its corporate social responsibility.

       LCDA Holdings Sdn Bhd chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Husain also handed over zakat (business tithe) for 2023 amounting to RM1.9mil to Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak.