KUCHING: In conjunction with the state-level Maulidur Rasul celebration, Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud on Wednesday night officiated at the launch of the Darul Hana Islamic Park located within the grounds of Darul Hana Mosque here.
Also, present were Taib’s wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Ragad Kurdi Taib, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, and other dignitaries.
The RM6.8 million project is developed by the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) as one of the state government’s initiatives to realise the concept of ‘mosque in the park’.
The first phase of construction commenced in March last year and was completed in October this year. It consists of the construction of gazebos, water features, trellis seating, car park, LED lighting, CCTV cameras and signboards.
The second phase, which is expected to start next year, will take eight months to complete. It includes the construction of more carpark units, gazebos, kiosks and washrooms, seating areas and a boulevard, as well as more LED lights.
The total land area for the whole project is approximately 12 acres.
According to a statement by LCDA, the park is inspired by the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat, Oman which highlights the beauty of the landscape.
“As one of the components in the Darul Hana development project, this park is a landmark with its own uniqueness for Muslims in the Darul Hana area,” said the authority.
It added that the Darul Hana Mosque and the park would be a model of a modern Malay settlement which was structured and dynamic.
The launching ceremony was among the events taking place in conjunction with the Sarawak state-level Maulidur Rasul celebration for this year.
The ceremony began after the congregational maghrib prayers with a tazkirah (sermon) session by Mufti of Sarawak, Sahibus Samahah Datuk Kipli Yassin.
Taib and Abang Johari along with others in the congregation recited the Zikir Maulid to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.
Other guests at the ceremony were State Legislative Assembly Speaker, Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs and Kuching North City Commission), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Sarawak Islamic Council president, Datuk Misnu Taha; Deputy State Secretary (Socio-Economic Transformation), Datuk Seri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, and others.
