Why should anyone be against having Swiftlet houses in Georgetown?

Yes, posting in their site is a real pain, don't know for sure if it will be published or removed. This method of discussion is un-democratic. Hardly conducive for a healthy discussion.

Even my notice to the blog about the existence of this forum was not published. Well, I have posted again, let's see if they are man enough to engage.

ha ha ha not to worry, if cats run after swiftlets they will have to try flying from the roof tops and it is well known they can only do it 9 times then kaput.

Now where is Georgetown and gang

meanwhile, we are being entertained by everyone else.

It is good to finally get some response, good or bad, whatever, but hopefully constructive in the end.

Swiftlet houses are strictly prohibited in residential areas. So, if you live in a designated residential area, make your complaints heard at the local council.

Swiftlet houses are allowed in designated commercial areas, as according to the last guidelines. If you are living in a commercial area, as you should not be, you can make complaints to the local association that the noise is too loud, not according to the set guidelines.

If you are in a mixed zone, ie commercial and residential, then you can try making complaints to both council and associations.

If there is a real problem with hygiene, then the local council will take action upon complaints.

You are absolutely correct in that a failed farm may become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, as would any dilapidated building. The council can issue a summons to the owner or fog the whole building. Either case will not be good for the errant farmer.

On the other hand, if the farm is doing ok with a birds populating the farm, it is very unlikely that the house will be a breeding spot for mosquitoes as these birds will readily consume as many mosquitoes as the house can ever produce as it will take many times more to fill the stomach of a single bird.

The bowls of dirty water inside a house, if there are, will not breed mosquitoes as the bird shit releases ammonia and this is poisonous to the mosquito larvae. There are some other specialized insect that are able to live in such dirty water. The Aedes mosquito breeds only in clean clear water !

You did not mention the area you are located , as otherwise I may have been able to offer more specific advice.

You are right in the middle of all the action !

This is an area where it is a mixture of residential and commercial. It is also right in the middle of the Heritage core zone.

The problem began when the council did not follow clear directives and did not enforce the guidelines then stipulated thus allowing swiftlet ranches to flourish. That is history and it is now too late to change matters as there has been tremendous investments made in these swiftlet ranches which cannot be ignored.

Swiftlet ranches cannot be re located as the birds once resident will always come back to their home.

However there is hope for you, a resident as you can get MPPP to take action on hygiene and noise pollution. The local swiftlet association headed by Ms. Carole Loh (0174737678) may be able to assist in getting the swiftlet ranch owner to follow the guidelines.

Soo Hong Lane is surrounded by many un occupied and dilapidated buildings. It is possible that the mosquitoes come from these places and the more insects there are, the more swiftlet there will be. This current rainy season will cause more mosquitoes to breed. Clogged drains, large leaves from the abundant Sea Almond trees etc. will also provide breeding areas for the mosquitoes.

I am glad that you did not mention bird droppings being a health hazard as your area has the highest pigeon population in Penang. Pigeons and their droppings are well known health hazards. Regardless of the health hazards, this area is also the most popular for nasi kandar and arguably the best nasi kandar around is amongst the most pigeon shit.

This post has been edited by tuckfook: Jun 2 2010, 10:35 PM

Develop, Not Strangulate the Swiftlet/Edible Birds' Nest Industry
Sign This Petition-HERE

This petition was created before the recent minor cabinet reschuffle. The petition, once initiated, cannot be edited to reflect the new ministers.

This post has been edited by tuckfook: Jun 2 2010, 11:00 PM

You lucky devil ; ) you are sitting on a Goldmine !

For as long as Swiftlet houses are allowed in your area, the price of that property will not go down. As soon as Swiftlet houses are prohibited in that area then there will probably be much less value for properties there.

There are hardly any viable businesses there. The Swiss restaurant survives as long as the owners can keep subsidising. The Hainanese restaurant gave up. In your area, there are great limitations to the type of business possibilities as it is likely to have to be tourist and heritage orientated. Too small to turn into a boutique hotel and too many similar properties to compete with. Rentals will be low, which will drive down sale prices.

Your best bet ? Go see Janet Pillai to see if she can introduce any Heritage property investor to take over your property.

Next best bet, well, most swiftlet houses in that area have been successful, so you can consider that option whilst the Govt is still in a limbo.